THE BRIDGE
Over the last few weeks for some odd reason this blog has picked up some serious momentum. There was a time when 10 to 20 people per day would read it now it is over a 1000. I know at times I write about topics that are usually taboo in the church or spiritual world but you know I think there are certain things that just need to be said. At the end of the day though I want to make sure that what people hear from me is a positive uplifting hope filled message. If you read anything other than that you are missing what I try to convey.
I want people to put aside their differences and realize that we are all human and subject to the same problems. Illness and death will find it's way into our lives you can guarantee it. Hardtimes and emotional stress will certainly play a role in your life at some point. We know with out a doubt that we will face mountains so high we will struggle to see the light of day. Knowing all of this why in the world do we spend our time trying to figure out how to hate people that are different than we are or worse mock or make fun of someone because they made a mistake. We want forgiveness for our mistakes but we sure are careful about extending that to others.
We are responsible for our actions and no question there are and should be consequences for the things we do. However I say this and feel total conviction about it. If we would strive to promote peace and love much of the bad would go away.
We have this weird ability to wait for someone else to do something before we can do something. No way can we apologize when it was obviously the other persons fault. when something goes wrong. I say get over it and be the first to speak up to resolve conflict. Families and friendships are destroyed by misunderstandings or words that can't be taken back.
I want to share a story right here that I gave a speech about not to long ago. This sums up what can happen when we change from being conflict warriors to bridge builders. Join me please today in building a bridge where ever one may have been destroyed. Enjoy the story.
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 I could help with? 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. He recently 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 do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence. An 8-foot fence so I won't need to see his place, or his face, anymore."
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, 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... a bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, with handrails, and all!
The neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, 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 onto 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 many more bridges to build. .
Folks lets be bridge builders and change this world into a better place
peace to you
Dale
I want people to put aside their differences and realize that we are all human and subject to the same problems. Illness and death will find it's way into our lives you can guarantee it. Hardtimes and emotional stress will certainly play a role in your life at some point. We know with out a doubt that we will face mountains so high we will struggle to see the light of day. Knowing all of this why in the world do we spend our time trying to figure out how to hate people that are different than we are or worse mock or make fun of someone because they made a mistake. We want forgiveness for our mistakes but we sure are careful about extending that to others.
We are responsible for our actions and no question there are and should be consequences for the things we do. However I say this and feel total conviction about it. If we would strive to promote peace and love much of the bad would go away.
We have this weird ability to wait for someone else to do something before we can do something. No way can we apologize when it was obviously the other persons fault. when something goes wrong. I say get over it and be the first to speak up to resolve conflict. Families and friendships are destroyed by misunderstandings or words that can't be taken back.
I want to share a story right here that I gave a speech about not to long ago. This sums up what can happen when we change from being conflict warriors to bridge builders. Join me please today in building a bridge where ever one may have been destroyed. Enjoy the story.
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 I could help with? 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. He recently 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 do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence. An 8-foot fence so I won't need to see his place, or his face, anymore."
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, 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... a bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, with handrails, and all!
The neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, 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 onto 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 many more bridges to build. .
Folks lets be bridge builders and change this world into a better place
peace to you
Dale
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