The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farm house 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 pick up 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 an he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

 

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree an my curiosity go 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 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 th emorning to pick them up, there ain't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before!"