So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles, and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar slightly. The pebbles rolled into the open spaces. He then asked again if the jar was full. The students again replied yes it was.
He 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 it was full. The students respond with an unanimous "YES"
The professor then produced a bottle of beer 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 jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things; GOD, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions; 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, such as your job, house, and your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first there is no room for the pebbles or golf balls. The same goes for your life, If you spend all your time, and energy on the small stuff you'll never have time 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 do the medical checkups, Invite friends to dinner, Play another 18 holes, Go to the Church of your choosing. There will always be time to clean house.
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 asked, "What does the beer represent?"
The professor smiled."I'm glad you asked"
It is to show you that no matter how full your life is, or may seem, there is always room for beer.