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The Carpenter
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 I could help with? 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. He recently 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 do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn?
I want you to build me a fence an 8-foot fence - so I won't need to see
his place or his face anymore."
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, 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 and 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 that stretched 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 toward them, 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 onto 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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