Thanksgiving Reflections
Here it is again… Thanksgiving Day—a holiday set aside to gather with family and friends to reflect upon all of the blessings we have in our lives: the people, the moments, the “things”—whatever they may be in our respective circumstances.
For me, Thanksgiving is a day in which I spend time with my family doing our traditional activities—eating my mom’s to-die-for dinner, playing games, rifling through Black Friday flyers and my favorite—just talking, telling stories, laughing hysterically and reminicing about the good old days.
So, when I read this story the other day, it reminded me once again how thankful I am for all of the good fortune I have in my life. Although very difficult at times—particulary when school is hectic, I need to always remember what’s really important—not just on Thanksgiving but each and every day, especially in this world of craziness and uncertainty.
With that said, I hope this story provides you with the same inspiration.
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 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 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 a unanimous “yes”.
The professor then produced two sodas 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 critical to your happiness.”
“Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.”
“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 soda represented. The professor smiled and said, “I’m glad you asked. The soda just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of drinks with a friend.”
Whether you celebrate this holiday or not—Happy Thanksgiving! I’m also grateful to all of my Edutech for Teachers followers and fans. Thank you for giving me the inspiration and motivation to continue sharing tech tools and integration ideas via this blog.
Wow! very inspirational ! after reading I realized that in life everything must be arranged in a proper way.We must set our priorities in life.Just like me,even if I am very busy in my studies and at the same time in my work because I am a working student, but still I have time with my family,friends and to our Almighty God.Through this reflection,it encourage me to do well in my studies because it is my first priority.
Hi Maricel! I’m so glad to read that a post I wrote has provided you with some inspiration! Good luck with you studies… I wish you well!