Rocks in a Jar | Most Important Concerns in your Life

This is a great time for all of us to think about our priorities in life after hibernating for so long on some level due to Covid.

My favorite story that helped me sort this out is the illustration of putting rocks in a jar. One day I watched as a teacher placed an empty glass jar on the counter for all the class to see. She also laid out 5 large rocks and lots of little ones. She asked the class, “How many rocks will the jar hold?

They didn’t know. So, she filled the jar to the top with the little rocks. Oh, no! That left no room for the big rocks. Try as she would, she couldn’t squeeze the big rocks in.

I wondered, “What is the point?” “Who cares?”

Then, I got it. Is this an example of our daily lives, our year, our years? Do we let days, weeks, months get so filled with unimportant “little rocks” (stuff) that the big stuff goes unattended or never happens at all? Like the spin cycle on a dryer, our lives go whizzing by. We are whirled along with the immediate, whatever comes up. Sometimes it is possible for us to assume a defensive posture in life instead of being a proactive quarterback. Unfortunately, our philosophy can easily become, “Ready FIRE Aim!” Instead of “Ready AIM Fire!”

What are the five most important concerns in your life?

Think about it. Each of ours will be different. For example, I want to make sure that the five big rocks go into my jar first and then I can fill in around with the little rocks if there is room. My first big rock is labeled my Health. Perhaps yours too? Certainly, this year has been a constant reminder of its importance as some of us have lost a loved one or a friend or have felt helpless as many have been so sick. I realize that I can’t expect anyone else to make my good health a priority except me. It has to be important to me. I want and need to continue feeling great. How? Specifically, what exactly can you and I do to improve our health? Well, I am walking more with our dog Scooter. He needs it, I need it. The side benefits are not only the exercise, but also being outside, communing with nature, waving to a neighbor and enjoying the cool evening breeze. My worries seem less when I look up at that beautiful sky and remember Who created all this. Even inviting a friend to walk with us adds a new dimension.

After you have selected your first big rock, what will the others be?

For me, the second big rock in my jar is labeled Family and Friends and spending time with them. That doesn’t happen without a whole lot of planning, making phone calls and sending emails because some of my loved one’s live hours away. Finding a date that works for all of us takes dedication on all our parts. I have given up feeling sorry for myself and wishing that they will call me after I realized that they feel the same way. So, now I make it a point to reach out and contact them. They are as pleased as I am to talk or get together. How easy just to lift the phone off the hook or send an email.

My third rock of importance is my spiritual connection to God. I would never have lived this long had it not been for His intervention in my life many times. Perhaps that’s been true for you, too. Time spent in prayer, talking to Him and studying my Bible gives me the peace that passes all understanding in the midst of this fast pacing, frantic world that doesn’t always make sense.

My fourth rock is labeled reading. Since I love to read, I have joined a book club that meets once a month (where I spoke when they reviewed my book a few months ago). This way, I make sure that I read at least one great book a month which also inspires me to write a blog Writing gives me a lot of pleasure as some of you respond with how it encourages you.

The last big rock in my jar is getting back to playing my gorgeous piano which sat silent for years. Not anymore. I don’t get to play every day, but to make sure that playing is a priority, last year I joined a delightful small group of players called The Plunkers, who meet once a month at different homes. We all perform at different levels but encourage each other. I can hardly wait to be there this month after missing it for so long due to covid.

Choosing to select my rocks carefully has been a big help to me because, unfortunately, I am so good at overextending myself and getting overwhelmed. There’s no one to blame but myself. Do you do that? I hope not. Oh, there are lots of things I’d like to do like attending a line dancing class because I love to dance. Could I put that under health and exercise? But I want to be wise with my time. So, I am back where I started. First rock is labeled Health where it all starts…

Is there something you have always wanted to do or need to do but couldn’t find the time? Please consider placing your five most important rocks in your jar first.

I love what Barbara Walters said the day after 9/11. I thought it should be headlines on the news. She said, “Gee, I think I’ll have that extra chocolate chip cookie!” We’re not here forever. If there is something you really want to do, now is the time. Make the time. After all, the death rate is 100% sooner or later.

On a lighter note, here are two of my tiniest rocks. A plaque on my kitchen wall says, “I can’t clean this house and save the whole world at the same time.” So, I guess you can see that that’s not a priority to me.

“I dusted last week. It all came back. I’ll never do that again!” Another tiny rock in my jar.

Choose your rocks carefully. Life is short. Live it now!

Enjoy reading Annie’s recently published inspirational memoir, THAT ONE PERSON, by Annie Farris, written to encourage you in these challenging times. Now available on Amazon for $15.95, and Kindle for $9.99. Endorsed by Pat Boone and 18 others with numerous 5-star reviews. It makes a great gift!

AFTER YOU’VE READ THE BOOK, PLEASE GO TO AMAZON.COM AND WRITE A REVIEW. Amazon will only allow Annie to advertise after she has 100 5 star reviews, a daunting job for a new author!