My teacher stood before us, with some items in front of him. He wordlessly picked up a very large and empty jar and proceeded to fill it with golf ballsand then asked, if the jar was full. We agreed that it was.

He then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar, shaking the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked, again, if the jar was full. We agreed it was.

Teacher, 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. We responded with an unanimous “yes.”

Teacher produced two cups of chai from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. We laughed.

“Now,” said Teacher, 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 children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter - your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else — the small stuff. “If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If 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. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first—the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the group, raised her hand and inquired what the chai represented. Teacher smiled... “I’m glad you asked.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of chai with a friend.”

So go on and pour out all the contents of your jar, re-fill it the right way this time around - and yeah, don’t forget to have a wonderful life!

Any questions??