Ultimate Gesture (Spirit of a Handshake - Part Six) Al Jones

Once a year, I write on the spirit of a handshake. It is always written for the last issue in April. Why do I make this a yearly editorial? Probably because I believe that reaching out a hand is probably one of the most important symbols that the world embraces. It is the ultimate gesture. One handshake can influence the rest of a life. Think I'm exaggerating? Then let's compare it to some of the world’s other great influences. One tree can start a forest. As it produces seeds, it spreads and reproduces. The trees born from the original tree also produce seeds and so on.

One spark can create a flame, which in turn can become a raging fire. The North Star has guided many thousands of travelers by land and sea. Just one star influences the direction of many.

One vote can change a government, which in turn can change a nation. From one step, a journey begins. And each journey leads to the possibility of an adventure.

One smile can begin a friendship, and from that new friendship, introductions to others who become potential friends.One voice can teach a world. By teaching just a few and having them pass the lesson on, the world can become educated. One song can move a person. By sharing that song with the world, it can in turn, move a world. One laugh can conquer despair and make many, temporarily, forget their troubles. One person can lead, and through that leader, many can be brought together for a common goal and achieve great things. One idea can create a dream, which can inspire many others to share that dream or even create new ones.

A handshake, just one handshake, is more powerful than all of these things I have mentioned. In my opinion, it is the most important gesture human beings can ever make. It is universal and understood no matter in what context it is used. We shake hands to greet a friend, meet someone new or welcome someone to our homes. It can bid a fond farewell just as easily as a hearty hello. It gives a sense of trust and understanding when conducting business and adds sincerity to heartfelt thank-you’s when someone lends a hand. A good handshake can instill respect while showing respect. It offers a sense of comradeship among peers and comfort when offering condolences. It can be offered to end a feud or grudge. Indeed, it has been used to end wars and initiate peace treaties. It has been offered as a gesture to ask for forgiveness as well as grant it. One should never miss an opportunity to shake a hand. The best part of a
good handshake is that no matter the reason it is offered, both participants will always prosper in either friendship, respect, trust or goodwill.
This weekend is the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce's Annual Home and Garden Show in Airdrie. We hope to see you there. We hope you come early and enjoy the free muffins and coffee each day for breakfast. We hope you bring the entire family to enjoy the great line up of entertainment. We hope you get a lot of great ideas for your home, garden or family needs. We hope you get a chance to chat with folks you haven’t seen in a while. We hope you meet new friends and neighbours. We hope you have a lot of fun. But most of all … we hope that you “shake a lot of hands”.

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