~The World of Four Seasons Spring~

Q: Given golf balls, pebbles, sand and 2 cups of coffee…Then, you are given a big mayonnaise jar.…How would you arrange the order in order to fill all of the given items into the mayonnaise jar?

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A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he picked up a large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

       The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

       He asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

       The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with unanimous…. “Yes”.

       The professor then produced 2 cups of coffee from under the table and poured the contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

       “Now,” said the professor as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—Your family, your health, your stable spouse, your studies, and your life-long learning process—and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

       The pebbles are other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else—small stuffs like games, leisure and luxuries.

       “If you put the sand into the jar first, there’s no room for the pebbles or for the golf balls. The same goes for life. Of you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.”

       “Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Always appreciate and care for your family, your parents, your siblings, your spouse and your children–for you won’t be able to get them back once you lose them. Take time to have a good rest when you need to, and take care of your diets for your health’s sake. With only good health and enough emotional support you get from your family and friends, you can gain enough energy to pay attention on your studies and work.. If you are tired or pressure, only it’s the time you go for games and leisure.”

       “Set your priorities, take care of the golf balls first, then only the pebbles. The rest is just the sand.”

       One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. “I’m glad that you asked. It just goes to show that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of coffee with a friend.”

Adapted form an article from STAR education

Edited by Emerald Tan

Think about it, and your sharing on this piece of story is most welcomed.<(^.^)>