The handshake

I wonder what you miss most during the restrictions imposed, or recommended, because of the Covid-19 pandemic? For some, it may be the lack of personal contact with family and friends. For others, it may be the holiday that they had expected to be enjoying just now while, instead they are 'stuck' in "Hame'lldaeme" (although millions would be thrilled to even have a home!). Yet others will be missing their job, and the camaraderie that they normally enjoy with colleagues. 

As a very tactile person, I confess to missing hugs and handshakes. Perhaps, surprisingly, the handshakes more than the hugs! That is because a handshake can tell a lot about a person. It is a most revealing custom. There is, of course, the "dutiful" handshake. That's the one that is required by virtue of one's position in society, or in the Board-room, or some similar situation. It's really just a brief touce - impersonal and meaningless.

Then there is the polar opposite. That's the hearty, no-nonsense handshake of the person who is a wee bit OTT! Perhaps the person is a professional wrestler, or weight-lifter. Their grip is vice-like. What they seem not to consider is that the person whose hand they are cheerfully crushing may suffer from a condition such as rheumatism!

One of my favourite unfavourites is what I refer to as the 'cold fish' (or 'wet dishcloth') handshake. You know the one! It's like having one's hand wrapped in a fillet of cod, just out of the chill-room, or a dishcloth just out of the basin! I recall, during my time as a Probationer, and later Ordained, Assistant minister in a parish church in Edinburgh. The local parish priest, Father Laurence, was a great guy, and we got on amazingly well together. We then had a student from New College sent to us on a placement. He had a 'cold fish' handshake! I did suggest to my 'boss' that we contact the Vatican and offer a swop. We would take Father Laurence, and they could have that particular student!

Then there is the icy, stiff, handshake that leaves one with the impression that Jack Frost (no, not the TV Detective Inspector played by David Jason!) reigns in the heart of the person who gives it. There is also the handshake that lingers, and makes one feel that the other person is actually taking liberties!

The best handshake is the one that gives one a warm glow, as it comes from a sincere and friendly heart. It's the one that has been described as having sunbeams in it!

Of course, hands may be used for all sorts of purposes other than being shaken as a greeting. The Bible certainly has a multitude of examples of the use of hands - both our hands and, speaking anthropomorphically, the hands of God. In Dr Luke's record of the Good News about Jesus, and in the 23rd chapter we read of the crucifixion of the Saviour. In v.46, we have the final words spoken by the sinless, spotless, Lamb of God: "Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit!" And having said this He breathed His last." The Son thus showed His dependence on the Father for His forthcoming resurrection, and the re-union of spirit and body. He had confidence that the body which was shortly to be laid in a tomb, would not see corruption, but that the Father would raise Him on the third day.

You and I may not be facing the excruciating pain, and the horror, of crucifixion. However, although many of the Covid-19 restrictions are being relaxed in certain areas, we continue to live with some uncertainty. We can do no better than to place our lives in the hands of Father God.

He remains our Certainty in uncertain times.