We all Need a Tree!
I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he
had just
finished a rough first day on the job, a flat tire made him lose an
hour of
work, his electric drill quit, and his ancient one ton truck refused
to start.
While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he
invited me in
to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused
briefly at a
small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.
When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His face
was
wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his
wife a
kiss .
Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity
got the
better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.
'Oh, that's my trouble tree,' he replied. 'I know I ca n' t help
having troubles
on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in
the house
with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree
every night
when I come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning
I pick
them up again. Funny thing is,' he smiled, 'when I come out in the
morning to
pick 'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the
night
before.'
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