Building Bridges

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on
adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first
serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side,
sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods
as needed without a hitch.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began
with a small misunderstanding and it grew into
a major difference, and finally it exploded into
an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks
of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door.
He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's
toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days work," he
said.

"Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here
and there. Could I help you?"

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job
for you. Look across the creek at that farm.
That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger
brother. Last week there was a meadow
between us and he took his bulldozer to the
river levee and now there is a creek between
us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but
I'll go him one better. See that pile of lumber
curing by the barn? I want you to build me a
fence - an 8-foot fence - so I won't need to see
his place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the
situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole
digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases
you."

The older brother had to go to town for
supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the
materials ready and then he was off for the day.

The carpenter worked hard all that day
measuring, sawing, nailing.

About sunset when the farmer returned, the
carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's
eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped.

There was no fence there at all. It was a
bridge... a bridge stretching from one side of
the creek to the other! A fine piece of work
handrails and all - and the neighbor, his younger
brother, was coming across, his hand
outstretched.

"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after
all I've said and done."

The two brothers stood at each end of the
bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking
each other's hand. They turned to see the
carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder.
"No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other
projects for you," said the older brother.

"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but, I
have many more bridges to build."

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