Holidays & Family Get-togethers

Aren't they wonderful? I think they work like therapy for everyone. They cheer you up, make you happy and recharge our beings.

They are hard to plan if you want everyone to get together in one physical location, but once it happens... the joy that comes with all the loved ones is out of the world. If everyone does their part and makes efforts for themselves and families, it is possible.

May be for the same reason, almost all the holidays are about reuniting with families and celebrating. Celebrating for we are part of the loving family that we have, for being blessed with all good people around us, for having an ability to appreciate and feel the love for our families. This holiday season and many more to come may everyone be more generous to forgive their loved ones and reach out to share. Share the love and happiness with all who really matter. A nice story that I read recently:


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.

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 cups of coffee 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 God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions - 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, and 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.

"Take time to get medical checkups."

"Take your partner 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 inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. "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 cup of coffee with a friend."

Happy Holidays to you & your family!