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This story has been adapted to reflect the recent happening in the world.
Two Brothers
(Russia and The United States)
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 mis-understanding 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 box. "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 it 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, and 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 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 and took each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait. Stay a few days. I've lots of other projects for you," said the older brother. "I'd love to stay on," said the carpenter, "but I have many bridges to build."
(Russia and The United States)
Submitted by Richard
God may we come together as one world to fight terrorism. We give notice to all terrorist that there will be no hole deep enough or cave dark enough to hind in.
Two Brothers
(Russia and The United States)
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 mis-understanding 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 box. "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 it 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, and 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 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 and took each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait. Stay a few days. I've lots of other projects for you," said the older brother. "I'd love to stay on," said the carpenter, "but I have many bridges to build."
(Russia and The United States)
Submitted by Richard
God may we come together as one world to fight terrorism. We give notice to all terrorist that there will be no hole deep enough or cave dark enough to hind in.
