Bridge and the Crossing

Bridge and the Crossing

Once upon a time there was a man who lived on the bank of a river. There was a strong bridge across the river, but you had to pay to use it. However, the man had the key to the bridge, because he had worked hard on it himself. One day his old friend asked him a favor: would you help his friend who wanted to get to the other side cross? The man said yes without thinking, and gave the key to the bridge to his friend's friend for free - although it always cost money for others to cross. The crosser was happy, because he could get to the other side cheaply and quickly. But trouble arose on the other side: the gate was jammed, the stones slipped, and the river flooded. The crosser did not tell the person who helped him, but complained to others about how difficult his situation was now. One day the man's old friend came to him and asked him: - Why don't you help him properly? Why is the other person on the other side in such a difficult situation? The man replied quietly: – I gave you the key to a toll bridge for free, because your friend is my friend too. But I can't stop the flow of water. And I never promised that everything would be easy on the other side. I helped you for free because you are a friend – but if friendship only lasts as long as the road is smooth, then it is not friendship at all. And he thought: help is like a bridge. If you open it with a good heart, it is a gift. But if someone uses it while blaming you for the storm, then next time maybe they will find the way across themselves.