THE SMALL 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 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 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."
May God's love surround you, enfold you,
strengthen and protect you and may you walk in
peace.