Once upon a time, there were two brothers who lived in neighbouring farms that were separated only by a small river. One day, they had a fight.

It was the first time they had ever had an argument. They had spent a lifetime working side-by-side, sharing tools and looking after each other.

One morning, the older brother heard someone knocking on his door. When he opened, he saw a man with a carpenter's toolbox in hands. I'm looking for work, he said. Perhaps you might have a small job needed to be done.

Yes! answered the farmer, Of course I have work for you. Can you see that farm on the other side of this small river? It belongs to my neighbour. In reality, he's my younger brother. We fell out and I can't stand him any more.

Can you see that pile of wood next to the barn? I would like you to build a very high fence along the river so I won't need to see him any more.

I think I understand the situation, said the carpenter. Show me where the shovel and nails are and I will certainly do a good job. I am sure you are going to be very pleased.

As the older brother needed to go to the city, he helped the carpenter finding the necessary building material and left.

The carpenter worked really hard during the whole day, measuring, sawing and nailing. When he finished, it was already getting dark.

The farmer got back home, but he couldn't believe his eyes: there was no fence!

Instead, there was a bridge that connected the two margins of the river.

It was a real beautiful job, but the angry farmer said: You were very bold building this bridge after all I told you. Nevertheless, surprises had not finished yet. When he looked back to the bridge, he saw his younger brother coming towards the margin of the river, running with arms opened wide.

For a second, he was stuck to the ground on his side of the river. Suddenly, on the spur of the moment, he ran in his brother's direction and they hugged each other, standing on the new bridge and crying.

The carpenter was already leaving with his toolbox when the older brother asked him: Wait! Spend a few days with us. To what the carpenter answered:

I would love to but, unfortunately, I have many other bridges to build.

And what about you? Are you in need of a carpenter, or are you capable of building your own bridges to get close to the ones you fell out with?

*   *   *

People that are close to you are not there by chance. There is a very special reason for them to be part of your relationships. Therefore, do not isolate yourself building fences that separate people and make them unhappy.

Build bridges and try to walk towards those who, for any reason, are away from you. And if the bridge of this relationship is fragile, or maybe unsteady because the winds of discordance, make them stronger with understanding and true friendship.

Doing so, you'll compensate your lack of friendship and will find the internal peace you have been seeking for.

 Spiritist Moment Team, based ona message
 that circulates in the Internet, without
author mention.
March 29.2010.