Mayonnaise, Golf Balls, Pebbles, Sand & Coffee

When I first began blogging two years ago I kept thinking, "I really don't have time for this."  I had so much to do in order to get Retro Revival up and running ~ designing, sewing, website work, etc.  Within a couple of months I realized how much I enjoyed blogging, especially because I began to know you.  Blogville is chock full of so many wonderful yous!

Nowadays, I really look forward to Tuesdays and Thursdays ~ my blogging days.  As 2011 comes to a close, I'm reminded of the mayonnaise story; do you know it?

A professor stood before his philosophy class with some items in front of him.  When class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.  He asked his students if the jar was full and they agreed it was.  He then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.  He shook the jar lightly and the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.  He asked the students again if the jar was full and they said "Yes."  Next, the professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.  Of course, the sand filled in the spaces between the golf balls and pebbles and he asked the students once more if the jar was full and his students responded with a unanimous "Yes!"  The professor then poured two cups of coffee into the jar and 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, children, health, friends, favorite passions; if everything else was lost and only these remained, your life would still be full.  The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house and 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 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.  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 asked what the coffee represented.  The professor smiled and said, "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 coffee with a friend."

Blogging is my coffee.  I always make time for blogging!

Thank you for sharing a cup with me.  I'm looking forward to 2012 and wish you all the happiness in the world!

This is your last chance to leave a comment and be entered to win my December blog giveaway ~ this little picnic basket full of goodies.  I'll draw the winner on 13/31 ~ good luck!