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What are you building?

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The Carpenter
==============

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 got 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~