Based on the story, ”The Mayonnaise Jar” - the original source and author unknown

January 4, 2025

Dear Families of Grace Members, Neighbors & Early Learning Center Families,

A professor stood before his philosophy class with some items in front of him.  When the class began, without saying a word, he picked up a very large, empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar as well.  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.

Next, the professor 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 enthusiastically responded with a unanimous “YES!”

Finally, the professor produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar.  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 important things – your faith, your family, 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 fill the jar with sand first,” he continued, “there would be 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 truly important to you.  Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness and your quality of life.  Play with your children.  Take time to get medical checkups.  Take your partner out for dinner.  Play another 18.  There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.  The professor smiled, “I’m glad you asked.  It is to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for coffee with a friend.” 😊

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough – consider adopting a “Mayonnaise Jar” mindset. Set your priorities. Take care of the golf balls first - those things that really matter – and, then the pebbles. And, remember everything else is just sand.

As we begin this new year of 2025, I pray for you and wish you a healthy, happy, and abundant 2025.  I hope it is filled with more golf balls than pebbles, and more pebbles than sand, and a cup of coffee or two with a friend now and then. 

And, while we are on the topic of golf balls, I hope the most important golf ball that will be in your jar for the coming year will be Almighty God who is the provider of all things that he has created and blessed you with in life.  Consider accepting “His invitation” and welcome Him into your heart each day. Consider accepting “His” invitation” to receive His presence in the Sacrament of Holy Communion that is celebrated in a church like Grace Lutheran every Sunday at 10:30 AM. At this table, all come at Jesus’ invitation – young and old, the assured and the doubting, the wise and the foolish, and the in-between. Jesus makes no exceptions, and neither do we.  Come to the Feast and celebrate God’s love.

Blessings and peace,                                       CONTACT INFORMATION: 

                                                                       Grace Lutheran Church

                                                                       254 Curtiss Parkway

The Reverend David O. Guss, Ph.D.               Miami Springs FL  33166

Pastor – Grace Lutheran Church                  305-888-2871