The Tree

#1 · September 7, 2002, 8:31 am

Posted by: bigguyhereagain <bigguyhereagain@...>

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 tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two smallchildren 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
      can'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."

Have a Blessed Day

Dave and Barbara