The Carpenter

[Guest guest]

I remember Mahatma Gandhi's message - An eye for an eye only makes

the world go blind .

 

And Peace Pilgrim's statement "Return love for hatred - that's the

way to happiness"

 

Enjoyed this story from the web, one on building bridges instead of

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 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."