Love in the open hand

'Psychologists tell us that is a hard thing to do - to put your love in the open hand and hold it out to someone. When you put love in the open hand you're vulnerable. The other person can reject it. He can say 'I don't want it' and that is a very hurting thing. Most of us keep our love clenched in our fist and we hide our fist behind our back. We don't want to take the risk of offering naked love in the open hand.' -- excert from 'The Mustard Seed' Reflections for Daily Living by Joseph A. Galdon S.J.