Pebbles, Rocks, Sand, and Beer

In March of 2009, I learned a valuable life lesson through a speech on a retreat.  It went something like this..

A student counselor stood at the front of the room with some items on the table in front of him.  When it came time for him to deliver his speech, he wordlessly picked up an empty two-liter bottle and proceeded to fill it with rocks.  He then asked the retreatants if the bottle was full.  We agreed it was.

So the counselor then dumped a box of pebbles into the bottle.  He shook the bottle lightly, and the pebbles rolled into the open cracks between the rocks.  He then asked us if the bottle was full.  We agreed it was. 

The counselor then picked up a small container of sand and poured it into the bottle.  The sand filled up the remaining empty spaces, and once again, the students agreed the bottle was full unanimously.  

Finally, the counselor cracked open a can of Bud Light and poured it into the bottle.  As expected, we resoundingly agreed the bottle was filled to capacity.

“Now,” said the counselor, “ I want you to recognize that this bottle represents your life.  The rocks are the important things- your family, your health, and your friends.  These things would still make your life full even if everything else was lost.”

“The pebbles are the other things that matter- your job, your house, your car, and other important material possessions.”

“The sand are the small things that don’t really matter and the beer are vices.”

“If you put the sand, pebbles, or beer into the bottle first, there is no room for the rocks.  The same goes for your life.  If you spend all your energy and time on the small stuff- material things and vices- you will never have room for the things that are truly important.  Pay attention to the things that are critical in your life.  Spend time with your parents.  Be there to talk your friend through a tough situation.  Take care of the rocks first- the things that really matter.  The rest is just pebbles, sand, and beer.”