Collected Stories

~Forgiveness~
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 met at the middle of the bridge, 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 so many more bridges to build."
-Author unknown by me-

LIFE IS SHORT AND FRIENDS ARE FEW
(A different perspective)
One day a father of a very wealthy family took his
son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose
of showing his son how poor people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of
what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son,
"How was the trip?" "It was great, Dad." "Did you see
how poor people live?" the father asked. "Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?"asked
the father. The son answered: "I saw that we have one
dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches
to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the
stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and
they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they
have fields that go beyond our sight.We have servants who
serve us, but they serve others.We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have
friends to protect them."The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, "Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are
." Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen
if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead
of worrying about what we don't have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!
Please with friends and acquaintances to help
them refresh their perspective and appreciation.
"Life is too short and friends are too few."
Thinking of you.
-Author unknown by me-

Treasures in Life
There are treasures in life,
but owners are few
Of money and power
to buy things brand new.
Yet you can be wealthy
and feel regal too,
If you will just look
for the treasures in you.
These treasures in life
are not hard to find
When you look in your heart,
your soul, and your mind.
For when you are willing
to share what's within,
Your fervent search
for riches will end.
The joy and the laughter,
the smile that you bring;
The heart unafraid
to love and to sing;
The hand always willing
to help those in need;
Ones quick to reach out,
to labor and feed.
So thank you for sharing
these great gifts inside;
The caring, the cheering,
the hug when one cried.
Thanks for the energy,
encouragement too,
And thank you for sharing
the treasures in you.
-Author Unknown-

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