Sparing time for your family

@kalav56 (11464)
India
November 25, 2008 3:16am CST
How many of you make some time to spend with your family? I read the following and wanted to share this with my friends. As far as I am con cerned I am a homemaker and I do whatever I want to by way of freelancing from home.So I always put my family first. But I thought this article is relevant for the youngsters of today.What is your opinion/ Please share. Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee! A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar andproceeded 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 then 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 an unanimous 'yes.' The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured 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 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 like 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 really critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. 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 students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The coffee just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
2 responses
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
25 Nov 08
This is such a wonderful piece! I am glad that you shared this. Kalav, when i was much young I went against my family and made them immensely upset. I can still remember my parents sad over my decision. Now, i have learnt lesson and much wiser. I would not do anything that would hurt them. I try to spend as much time as possible with my family, that means my parents. I have seen even just my presence at home makes them so happy and active. Being in a family is a great thing and i would wish all to spend quality time with them. For once time is gone it never comes back. We can only regret if we wait for tomorrow to do things. Thanks for a beautiful discussion.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
26 Nov 08
I am glad you liked the post.i too liked the article.As you have rightly pointed out, time once gone is gone and we should make the most of it while we can.
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
26 Nov 08
Thanks Kalav. You are sweet with wonderful thoughts. Don't ever change.
• India
25 Nov 08
Hi ! I really love to spend time with ma family. I m a working professional so don't get much time to spend with them . But when I m with them I spend quality time with them . Go out with them ..even prepare food for them as well , i like cooking .
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
25 Nov 08
How refreshing! Your family would adore that time I am sure. My father had such a busy professional life when he was active that he did not have enough time for his family.However, he used to take us to movies on the odd occasion especially when he had holidays.He also used to take us out to the beach when we went to a city [Chennai and it has a world famous clean , long beach.] .. Thise were lovely trips and I have enjoyed myself no end.