Short Inspirational Story - BUILDING BRIDGES

Short Inspirational Story - BUILDING BRIDGES

A long time ago two brothers who lived on next-door on a farm fell into conflict. It was the first serious clash between them in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing equipment, and trading manual labor and merchandise as required with no hindrance whatsoever.

Then the long alliance destroyed. It started with a small quarrel but it slowly cultivated into a major difference, and finally it resulted into a swapping of sour words and weeks of silence.

One fine day, early in the morning there was a thump on John's door. He opened the door to discover a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I need a few days work," he said.

"Perchance you would have some small jobs around the farm. Could I facilitate you?"

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have some work for you. Glance across the stream at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, he’s my younger brother. Last week there was a pasture linking us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this out of spitefulness for 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, nonetheless."

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

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

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

About sundown when the farmer arrived, the carpenter had just completed his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped.

There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge... a bridge elongated 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 stretched out.

"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 lift 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."