Fwd: FW: OT this is a good one,makes you think

[Guest guest]

Have a Happy Holiday and a healthy and happy 2003!

Couple of Beers

A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in

front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very

large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks,

about 2 " in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full? They agreed that it

was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into

the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into

the open areas between the rocks.

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

was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of

course the sand filled up everything else. He then asked once more if

the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous -- yes.

The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and

proceeded to pour the entire 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 rocks are the

important things -- your family, your partner, your health, your

children -- things that if everything else was lost and only they

remained, your life would still be full.

" The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your

house, 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 rocks. The same goes for your 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 partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to

work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.

" Take care of the rocks first -- the things that really matter. Set

your priorities. The rest is just sand. "

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer

represented.

The professor 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 beers. "