Nice Readings

Post date: Jan 22, 2015 10:36:46 AM

A FULL LIFE

 A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of

him. When the class began, wordlessly, he 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. So 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 cans 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 this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things -- your family, your children, your health, your friends, your favorite passions , God -- 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 like your job, your house,

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. Play with

your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to

dinner. Play another 18 holes of golf. 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 beer represented.

The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked," he said. "It just goes to show

you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a

couple of beers.

HEAVEN AND EARTH

A powerful Administration Filipino senator dies after a prolonged

 illness. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems  there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."  "No problem, just let me in," says the guy.

"Well, I'd like to but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where  to spend eternity."

"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven," says the

 senator.

"I'm sorry but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts him  to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a club and standing in front of it are all his friends and other  politicians who had worked with him, everyone is very happy and in evening attire.

They run to greet him, hug him, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar. Also present is the Devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes.

They are having such a good time that, before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator rises. The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on Heaven where  St.Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit Heaven." So 24 hours pass with the head of

state joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing  the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the  24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well then, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your eternity."

He reflects for a minute, then the senator answers, "Well, I would never have said it, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell."

So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down  to Hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags.

The Devil comes over to him and lays his arm on his neck.

"I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and club and we ate lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland full of garbage and  my friends look miserable!" The Devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were

 campaigning...

Today you voted for us!"

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