Monday, July 14, 2008

Meaningful Monday

Morning Textures by Harold Silverman
Morning Textures


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'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'


God Bless............................



Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

I am thinking that we all need a Tree!

19 comments:

Prixie said...

that is a fab idea!

oldcrow61 said...

Beautiful picture, very moody. Lovely story as well.

Tracy said...

Oh i just love this post and the pic! Makes me want to paint that. :)) Thanks for sharing.

Linds said...

What a wonderful idea. Simple too. I need to tell my children about this too!

BClark said...

What a great thought, love the idea of a trouble tree. Tis true we all have trouble and what we do with them makes all the difference. Attitude is all.
Best to you, Barbara

Carole Burant said...

Hello dear Jo:-)

I'm finally catching up with your last few posts...I've been spending so much time outside, it's taking away a lot of my computer time! I so loved this story and yes indeed, we do all need such a tree. Too many times we bring out problems home and it makes for a very unhappy atmosphere. Thank you for sharing this with us. xoxo

violetlady said...

Jo, what a lovely post. I love that story and as I read it, "In The Garden" was playing. Wonderful. And, yes, we might as well dance!!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely story.
I'll make my own trouble tree.....

Anonymous said...

What a lovely story Jo...
I think it would be nice if we all did have one!
My husband has a stressful job and I have never ever known him to bring his work worries over the threshold of the door. I'm guessing he leaves them at the gate. :o)

K-Dubyah said...

I'm planting one today!

Hi Jo!

Thank you for the smiles.

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Jo!
I love that story! Now if we all remembered that we HAVE that same tree right outside our own door!
Hugs, Sherry

Linds said...

Trot on over to my place, Jo.... I have discovered you and Chris nattering!

Shelley said...

Lovely story Jo. I always come to your blog and leave with a warm feeling. The photo is lovely too.

hugs,

Hopefulsl said...

Like wise, I too agree with everyone!
This is such a wonderful story, and i was ahwwwwwwing while i was reading this... Thanks for sharing this with all of us.
Hugs and Blessings sent your way!
Love, Stacy

farmlady said...

I love the photo. It reminds me of an Ansel Adams. It's really wonderful, as is the story.One I won't soon forget.

Betty said...

What a sweet story and one we all would do well to practice.

nippercatshome said...

What a great story, something we should all do. I love the idea of a trouble tree, I couls sure use one..thanks for sharing...take care.Mary

Tina Coruth said...

Jo,

This is a beautiful story! I love the photo, too. Excellent.

Tina

Jeff K said...

What a wonderful image and a wonderful story. We could all use a trouble tree. I've been going a tree from seed for three years and it's just about 10 feet high right now. Maybe it will become mine after it gets a little bigger.