The Carpenter's Gift (433 words)

 

(I read this lovely story years back somewhere without the author’s name. I wish to share with you the wonderful moral contained in it. I wish we had such carpenters in today's world ridden with suspicion, strife and hatred.) 

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 labour 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 my elder brother's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days’ work. Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there. Could I help you?" he said.

 "Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbour it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the adjoining river and now there is a creek between us. He may have done this to spite me, but I'll give him one better. See that pile of lumber curing by the barn? I want you to build me 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 an errand, so he helped the carpenter get the required materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing and nailing.

 When the farmer returned around sunset, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide and 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 neighbour, his younger brother, was coming across, his hands 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 have 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."