Trouble Tree

The carpenter David hired to help him restore 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 David drove him home, he sat on stony silence. On arriving, he invited David in to meet his family. As they walked towards the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.

When open 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 David to the car. They passed the tree and due to curiosity, David asked what eh 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 up again."

"Funny thing is," he smile, "when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there ain't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."