Building Bridges

Building Bridges Not Walls

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 responded, "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 went into town for supplies, so he helped the

Carpenter prepare the materials and then took the day off. The carpenter worked the remainder of the day measuring, sawing, nailing.

About sunset as the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. Upon seeing the project, his eyes opened wide and 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! The bridge was a fine piece of handy- work complete with handrails and beautiful ornamentation. To top it off, the younger brother was coming across the newly constructed bridge with a smile on his face and his hands outstretched.

“You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done" said the older brother. The bridge builder simply smiled and watched the two brothers as they hugged in the middle of the bridge.

After a few moments, 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.” (Source of story unknown).