The Parable of the Beach Brawl

Everything was perfect and beautiful at the beach that day. The temperature, sunlight, water, sounds, smells, and the texture of the sand were all exquisite. On a wide stretch of sand, two groups of individuals—ten on each side—stood facing one another, sizing each other up. Though they varied in height and build, the teams appeared evenly matched. When someone suggested a beach ball competition, they all eagerly agreed. Game on!

The first game was fun and spirited. Both teams played well, and soon a crowd of spectators gathered, cheering for the skill on display. Before long, the onlookers began choosing sides, rooting for their favored team. The players, fueled by the encouragement, wanted to impress their fans even more. The game was close, and in the spirit of good sportsmanship, the winning team offered the losers a second game. 

The second game was even more competitive. The growing crowd added to the pressure—no one wanted to lose in front of the large, excited audience. Fueled by excitement and the desire to win, the players became more aggressive. This time, the team that had lost the first round emerged victorious. A tiebreaker was now necessary to determine which team would be the ultimate champions.

The third game quickly unraveled. The players were tired, hot, thirsty, hungry, and determined to win at any cost. Tempers began to flare. Opposing players accused each other of unfair play. Teammates grew angry with one another’s mistakes. Voices escalated to shouting, swearing, and name-calling. Pushing and collisions led to injuries. The once-cheerful crowd became caught up in the rising aggression, jeering at each other’s players and fans. The most beautiful day at the beach had turned into the ugliest—until a looming shadow fell across the sand.

Turning toward the sea, the players and fans saw the source: an enormous wave racing toward shore. Frozen in shock, they could only watch as the wave swept up the beach, engulfing them waist-deep in water. As the wave receded, it pulled three feet of sand out to sea, leaving behind a transformed scene.

Where moments ago the twenty players had battled, now only one large figure remained lying on the beach—its ten fingers and ten toes no longer appearing as separate individuals, but clearly belonging to a single being.

There had never been twenty separate players on the beach, only one—but the illusion of separateness resulted in the fingers and toes realizing they were only parts of the same whole being. The illusion of separation had turned a playful competition into a bitter conflict and spoiling their otherwise perfect day at the beach.

With the illusion now swept away, all twenty fingers and toes huddled together—apologizing, forgiving, and reuniting as members belonging to one whole family. The spectators, awestruck by the healing they were now witnessing, began to wonder: should they also think twice about those they perceived as their own enemies?  Could there be a lesson here for all of us?

And in that moment of shared reflection, a glorious rainbow appeared on the horizon. Joy returned to the air, and the beach was beautiful once again.