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."
Share this
EmoticonEmoticon