A Farewell Message
I would like to share with the members a story that I heard some time ago…
The physics professor is in front of the class with a very large jar and fills it with golf balls. He then asks the class, “Is the jar full?” They respond that it is full. He then pours pebbles into the jar and they slide between, under and above the golf balls until the jar can take no more. He asks the class again, “Is the jar full?” They respond again that it is, in fact, full. Next he empties a bag of sand into the jar and it works its way around the golf balls and pebbles until it reaches the top. He asks the class, “Now, is the jar full?” The class smiles and nods that the jar is completely full. To prove his point further, he opens 2 beers and is able to empty their contents into the jar until it is overflowing. At that point, he and the class agree that the jar is, in fact, finally full.
The professor proceeds to tell his class that this experiment represents our time and what is important in life. The golf balls are our family and friends, our support structure, and they should fill the majority of our time. The pebbles represent our work and material items that surround the important golf balls but should not take up the same amount of space as the golf balls themselves. The sand is everything else that we do that requires some of our time, but does not require the space of the pebbles, and should never replace our golf balls.
Although the explanation of the experiment was finished, a curious student raises her hand and inquires, “What about the beer?” The professor replies, “I am glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life becomes, there is always room for a couple of beers.”
So with that, I am giving up my position as Newsletter Editor. This important pebble in my life has been a wonderful opportunity, but it is time to focus on some other pebbles as well as my golf balls…or, as I know them, my goof balls (as pictured). I will remain as Chair of the Communications Committee to help facilitate its expanding commitments.
I leave the newsletter in good hands. Dr. Sean Flack of Seattle Children’s Hospital will assume the role of Editor and will take on the next edition. We have been fortunate to have him as an active member of the Communications Committee who has already made great contributions. The future looks bright.
As always, thanks to those members who contributed to this edition of the newsletter. Being a member of this committee requires hard work, responsibility, and accountability. It does not go unappreciated and leaves the active member of the committee with something tangible with each assignment.
I look forward to seeing everyone at future meetings, and having a couple of beers with my SPA friends.
