Got ROCKS?

Where has this week gone...I tell you, my father-in-law was SO right...he told me once, "Gert, it's all down hill from here!"  shortly after I graduated hs.  [Gertrude is my nickname from him, btw] And, he was so right...life is one big snowball and it is rolling downhill getting bigger and bigger and faster and faster!   Times seems to pass so quickly --sometimes I can barely keep up with the date! 

I have to share this story...I read it recently in my "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" book and found it online to share because I think it is so applicable to all of us and every situation or "rock" in our life.

One day an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget. As he stood in front of the group of high powered overachievers he said, "Okay, time for a quiz." Then he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed Mason jar and set it on the table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?"

Everyone in the class said, "Yes."

Then he said, "Really?" He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the space between the big rocks. Then he asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?" By this time the class was on to him. "Probably not," one of them answered. "Good!" he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar and it went into all of the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?"

"No!" the class shouted.

Once again he said, "Good." Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?" One eager beaver raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit some more things in it!"

"No," the speaker replied, "That's not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all." What are the 'big rocks' in your life? Your children; Your loved ones; Your education; Your dreams; A worthy cause; Teaching or mentoring others; Doing things that you love; Time for yourself; Your health; Your significant other? Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first or you'll never get them in at all. If you sweat the little stuff (the gravel, the sand) then you'll fill your life with little things you worry about that don't really matter, and you'll never have the real quality time you need to spend on the big, important stuff (the big rocks). So, tonight, or in the morning, when you are reflecting on this short story, ask yourself this question: What are the 'big rocks' in my life? Then, put those in your jar first."

Posted by Stephen C. Ehrmann to the POD listserv, August 21, 2000, Ehrmann@tltgroup.org

TLC 11/00 http://www.csub.edu/TLC/options/resources/handouts/teach_strat/putinrocks.html

I constantly struggle with my rocks!  In my case-- God, my husband, my kids and ME (my health especially right now) would be my big rocks.  But I generally am fussing constantly with the little stuff-- I really hate that...especially when I know better.  I know that if I focus on what's important first...everything else will find it's place in the jar.  Good lesson, huh?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. Matthew 6:33

Well, back to work [gravel] now...my taxes [gravel] are still waiting.  My desk is piled up [sand] and my little boy [BIG ROCK] is happily playing about. All is good.

Comments

[Cindy]

I love that book and that illustration is most definately needed in my life right now. Thanks for that!

[Becky Wilkins]

I enjoyed your entry, Janna! I added you to my list of blog reads, if you don't mind.

[Sarah]

Janna,
I just love your blog. I of course love the crafty stuff - it's why I came here in the first place - but I love your love for your family and the Lord. Your post Sunday and today have lifted my heart and are great reminders of what is important. Thank you for your honesty and openness. And, I will always be a little jealous of your creativity! It's just wonderful! (:

[Suzanne]

Thanks so much for that!! I needed this! As always, I love your blog!

[annette]

Janna, I think that if you haven't done your taxe's yet they are A BIG ROCK now.HA. Thanks for the reminder of what is important. I think I need to dump my Bottle and start again. GOD, Albert, kids, family, and Home (all pretty big rocks).

[Belinda Loewen]

Thanks for sharing the story-I agree , today life has soo much little stuff we often forget about the "BIG" important stuff.I know I struggle with it all. I need to get back on track! Thanks for steering me in the right direction!!!!

[Teresa Davis]

Hey friend, thank you for sharing that except from the book....this is so encouraging to me today....such a good lesson to be reminded of. I love it that this day is "Good Friday"...I love thinking about what resurrection power means in our lives each and every day. I am so thankful for the blessings the Lord loads us with daily, new every morning. When I count my blessings, I am so reminded of our friendship too. The Lord does care about the things we enjoy like scrapbooking and crafting and He brings you together with kindred spirits. Enjoy your Easter weekend! Love you, dear friend!

[Carrie]

Love this - thanks for sharing!