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 Jon'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 that 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!  And, 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.

Just remember this...God won't ask what kind of car you drove, but He'll ask how many people you helped get where they needed to go. God won't ask the square footage of your house,  but He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home. God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He'll ask how many you helped to clothe. God won't ask how many friends you had, but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend. God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived,  but He'll ask how you treated your neighbors. God won't ask about the color of your skin, but He'll ask about the content of your character. God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation, but He'll lovingly take you
to your mansion in heaven!

+++

"It's Up to You"
One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference,
You see, IT'S UP TO GOD IN YOU!