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."

~~~~Author Unknown~~~~
 

Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness.
 

You will send this with your own e-mail, you may add
as many e-mail addresses, as you wish,
and also add your own message.
FREE referral system! ]