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 conflict. 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 the older brother’s door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s tool box. “I’m looking for a few days’ work” he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with?”
“Yes.” – said the older brother. “I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbour; 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 do him one better.”
“See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence –an 8-foot fence — so I won’t need to see his place or his face anymore.”
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, 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 neighbour, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his arms 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 onto 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.”
🌱 Lesson
It takes far more strength to build a bridge than to erect a wall. Offense, ego, and resentment can divide even the closest of relationships. But it only takes one act of humility, kindness, or forgiveness to begin healing. True wisdom lies not in retaliation but in reconciliation. Sometimes, life sends us a “carpenter” — a person, a moment, or a realization — that nudges us to reconnect, to forgive, and to love again.
“Forgiveness is the bridge to healing and peace.” — Unknown
🪞 Reflection
Is there a “creek” forming between you and someone you once held dear? What would it take to build a bridge instead of letting the distance grow? Are you waiting for the other person to change, or can you be the carpenter — the one who builds first?
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This story is part of a collection of anonymous parables and inspirational tales gathered over time. The original author is unknown. If this story belongs to you, we’d love to give credit—please reach out.
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