~~Trouble Tree~~



The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old

farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the

job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his

electric saw quit and now his ancient pickup 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

for sure, 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. 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 ain't nearly as many as I

remember hanging up the night before."



By Author Unknown

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