In my imagination I see God walking through a door of an old barn, while a person (maybe me, maybe you) is walking through a door on the opposite side of the barn. The two keep walking closer together and then God reaches out His hand to greet the person – they shake hands and start a conversation. That represents God greeting humankind.
Then I see God showing up in Xenia, Ohio (my hometown) and finding me there and we again shake hands and have a great conversation.
Then again at the Pearl Street when I’m older and living/working just off the mall…there could be a lot of verses written about all the various places where God has greeted me in my life.
This version of today’s whisper is an old recording of me singing “Shaking Hands” a cappella—- not too long ago Trailand added some guitar. Not an easy task on his part, as my tempo flows a bit much to merit anyone playing along with any ease—but he did great! Can’t wait to hear this song with several acoustic players and other singers joining in – making me sound good.
– Doug
Shakin’ Hands
Words and Music by Douglas C. Eltzroth
Over in Bethlehem in a little cattle stall
I saw God and Mankind, they were shakin’ hands
Over in Bethlehem in a little cattle stall
I saw God and Humanity shakin’ hands
Up in Ohio, in my home town
I saw God and Mankind, they were shakin’ hands
Up in Ohio, in my home town
I saw God and Humanity shakin’ hands
Over in Boulder, near the Pearl Street Mall
I saw God and Mankind, they were shakin’ hands
Over in Boulder, near the Pearl Street Mall
I saw God and Humanity shakin’ hands
Kind of like the first-time meeting of true lovers at first sight
Kind of like a family reunion at the Holiday time
Kind of like a surprise greeting of two long lost friends
A whole lotta hugin’, lot of kissin’, lot of embrassing going on
Over in Bethlehem in a little cattle stall
I saw God and Mankind, they were shakin’ hands
Over in Bethlehem in a little cattle stall
I saw God and Humanity shakin’ hands
I saw God and Humanity shakin’ hands
© 1988 Douglas C. Eltzroth c/o http://www.collage.org
37 Days of Christmas 