Building bridges...

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 & trading labour & goods as needed without a hitch. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding & it grew into a major difference & 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 & 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 neighbour; in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us & he took his bulldozer to the river levee & 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 lying besides 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 & the post-hole digger & 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 & then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day, measuring, sawing, nailing. At 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 & all - & the neighbour, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched. "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said & done. "The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge & 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."


Think about this....
Cheers....
:)