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 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 is 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 them up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."
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Author: Donald A. MacCord
The loving smile on my baby's face, doth touch the heart of me.
The wagging tail of my puppy small; it's simple love for me.
The trusting look in my son's round eyes as I wash his injured knee.
The gentle hands of my wife so dear doth touch the heart of me.
The Spirit speaks and we must listen for it speaks for all to hear,
The Spirit speaks and we should listen for it drives away our fears.
