Trouble 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) 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 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 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."
"We can't control the winds............but we CAN adjust our sails." What
matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down.