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’s for sure, troubles don’t belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again.”
He paused. “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.”
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Enjoy the rest of your day!
Mike Hobbs
Great analogy to show that our trouble never need to be brought home. We can choose to leave them outside. We can even choose not to pick them up at all. What we need is an opportunity tree to go out to every morning to get our daily assignment for success, wealth, and happiness.
Yes I agree, we should be happy in our home. Our kids will grow up so much better that way. I hated when my parents were always agree for some odd reason…
Thanks for you feedback,
Mike
Wow. I was so touch by the story. The reality is that some people bring the stress and troubles to their family at work and sometimes because of that, it creates conflict and misunderstanding. I did that too that sometimes my hubby could understand why I just suddenly raise my voice and it hurts him. I hope I could start doing what the old man do 🙂