The carpenter Dave hired to 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 Dave drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited Dave in to meet his family. As they 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 Dave to the car. They passed the tree and curiously Dave asked him about what he had done earlier.
“Oh, that’s my trouble tree,” the carpenter 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 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 them up, there aren’t as many as I remember hanging up the night before.”
Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.
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