The Beach Ball

We try and try so hard to cling to life. But life, you see, doesn't fit in a clenched fist. The harder you try to squeeze and hold on to life, the more of it is forced out of your hand through the constricting grasp of your fingers. You can hold so much more of life when you hold on to it loosely, with an open palm. But then, maybe life isn't really something we can hold. Maybe, instead, we're supposed to just touch it. Life is . . . like a super-extra-large beach ball. You can put your hand on it and play with it, but you can't really hold it--not even in your arms. But you can touch it. And really, that's the best way to receive its joy--by touching it, throwing it, sharing it with another.