BIG STUFF

A seminar leader was demonstrating the importance of making sure the "big stuff" in life is a priority. He showed the audience an empty wide-mouthed gallon jar, then put as many rocks in the jar as would fit. He asked the crowd, "Is this container full?" Of course, everyone said, "Yes." The leader gave them a knowing smile, then poured some gravel into the jar, filling the crevices between the rocks. He asked again, "Is it full?" They were beginning to catch on; most of them said, "Probably not."
Next he poured some sand it into the jar. "Now is it full?" he asked. The crowd had learned the lesson. In unison they shouted, "No!" And they were right; he then filled the jar with water.
Afterwards the seminar leader asked, "What's the point here?" Someone said, "Well, there are gaps, and if you really work at it, you can always fit more in your life." The seminar leader said, "That's not the point! The point is this: If you hadn't put these big rocks in first, you never would have gotten them in!"
He was saying: Make sure you do the big stuff first.
It's a habit we all need to develop. For me, I tend to attend to all the nagging little details first, trying to get them out of the way so I can focus on job one. Problem is, the nagging little details never completely go away. They keep coming back, there's always one or two to distract you. It's best to learn to ignore them and direct your attention to what really matters.
What really matters? This is something each person must define individually. Jesus told his followers that the list should begin with your relationship to God and your involvement in his purpose for your life. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) We often seek after sand and gravel and water, but those things are just filler. The big stuff needs to be done first. Think about it. What's your top priority? How will you tend to it today?

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