Trouble Tree

Trouble Tree
Author Unknown

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,
his ancient one ton truck refused to start. As 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. Upon opening
the door he had undergone an amazing transformation. His tanned
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 at the little tree.

"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 them up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging
up the night before."