We are a full month into what was a “new year.” I still haven’t figured out whether I prefer “Twenty-ten” or “Two Thousand Ten” but the year is well under way and I’m adjusting to a new way of referring to what year it is.
But the turning of the page of the calendar has thus far, not made much difference in the economy, or the War, or terrorism. So the question is: “Has there been any change in me?”
If I’m not seeing positive changes and better habits after the first month of the new year, it’s still not too late to get started. For today, let’s talk about what I consider to be the biggie in the category of resolutions and goal setting.
Priorities, first things first and values. I could call it time management but I don’t think that term quite captures it. At the heart of every personal improvement we might choose to make in life there is the concept of priorities. Do I wake up in the morning with an idea of what my core purpose is? Do I give myself frequent reminders of what is at the heart of my life? Perhaps the following will be helpful.
Do I wake up in the morning with an idea of what my core purpose is?
I read a story in Stephen Covey’s book, First Things First which impresses me with one of the great truths of life. The story continues to appear on the internet and I’ve heard it repeated in speeches and sermons countless times.
Perhaps you have heard it too. It’s one that bears repeating. I’ll re-tell it in my own words…..
An expert in time management was addressing a group of eager young students. To illustrate his lesson, he placed on a table a common 1 gallon mason jar and a good portion of palm sized rocks. He carefully placed rocks into the jar until there was no room for any more. “Is the jar full?”, the instructor asked. “Yes”, said an observant student, from the front row. “Are you sure?”, the instructor quizzed.
“Yes…..most certainly”, the young student asserted.
The instructor then reached below the lecture table and produced some gravel. He carefully poured it in and tapped and shook the jar to allow the gravel to trickle down between the larger rocks.
When the gravel filled to the rim of the jar, he asked again. “Is the jar full?”
By now, the students began grasping the principle being demonstrated. “Probably not”, they said.
“Now you’re getting it” the instructor said. He reached once more below the table and brought up a container of sand. Pouring it in, he tapped and he jiggled and shook until no more would fit.
“It certainly must be full now, right?” he quizzed. “No”, the students said, almost in unison.
“Rightly”, the instructor said and smiled as he produced a pitcher of water from underneath the table top. Pouring it in, he asked for the final time, he asked, “now what is the point of this demonstration?”
Right away, one of his brightest and high achieving students blurted, “the lesson is that even when you think your schedule is full, you can fit more in”.
“Wrong!” , the instructor asserted. “The lesson is this: Put the BIG ROCKS in first or you will never have room for them. “ “In other words, figure out what is most important in your life and get it in place first. Sweat the small stuff later”.
“Consider what you absolutely must have in place in your life: God, marriage, family, friends and service to others. “ “Get all these things in place first and the other things will take their proper place and priority.”
Jesus once said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). That is the biggest rock of all and must go in first.
It’s January 28th, do you know where your priorities are?
By the way, I recommend Covey’s book, First Things First, one of the best I’ve read on priorities.
And, oh yeah, I recommend The Bible….THE best, I’ve read on priorities.
- Gary Cleveland
