The following is from an unknown author and I think highlights the fact that as another year draws to an end it is important to reflect upon what is important in life.
A professor stood before his philosophy class with some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large 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 that 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 glasses of wine 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; things that if everything else was lost and only they remain, 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 in 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 of 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 check-ups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18 holes. Do one more run down the slope. 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 as to what the wine represented.
The professor smiled, “I am glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seems, there is always room for a couple of glasses of wine with a friend.”
-Author Unknown
Dr. Barrett,
I have a congenital left hip condition and had a complete replacement done 15 years ago. I am now 45 and am beginning to have pain in my hip. I may be in need of a revision. When my replacement was done my left leg came out approximately 1.5 inches shorter than my right. Is it possible for my left leg to once again be made the same length as my right? I have chronic back pain and my right knee is painful at times as I tend to place all my weight on my right leg when standing. Do you perform hip replacement revisions? Thank you for your time. God Bless!
Dear Terri,
Yes, it is possible to have some length made up but not always. Yes I perform hip replacement revisions.
Regards,
William Barrett