Building Bridges

Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on neighboring farms fell into conflict. One morning, a young carpenter stopped by one of the farms – wanting to know if the farmer had a little work. Yes,” said the older brother. “I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my younger brother’s farm. Last week, there was a meadow between us, but he took his bulldozer and dug a small river between us. Well, I’m going to do him one better. I want you to build an 8-foot high fence between us. The carpenter said, “Show me the nails and the tools, and I’ll do a good job for you.”

 The older brother had to go to town, so he left for the day. At sunset, when he returned, his eyes opened wide, and his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. The carpenter had built a bridge that stretched from one side of the river to the other! And his younger brother was coming toward them, his arms outstretched.

 The two brothers met in the middle, and tears were shed. They turned to see the carpenter leaving. “No, wait! Stay a few days. I have a lot of other projects for you,” said the older brother. “I’d love to,” the carpenter said, “but I have many more bridges to build.”

 Friends of Dial Hope, the carpenter’s job is our job too! We are called to be bridge builders.

 Jesus once said, “Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”

 Let us pray: Loving God, in our own lives, help us to build bridges. Help us to be instruments of your peace and reconciliation. And as we do, may we experience anew your peace, your comfort, and your amazing grace. Amen.