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The trouble tree

The carpenter I hired to help me 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 I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet the family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.

After opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His face was wreathed in smiles, and he hugged his two small children and then gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward, he walked me to my 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 for sure, troubles don’t belong in the house with my wife and children. So I just hang them up 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 nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.”

Author Unknown

What do you think about the way the carpenter chose to deal with his problems? What do you think he accomplished by leaving his troubles outside of his home?

{ 21 comments… add one }
  • Keith October 14, 2014, 9:35 am

    Awesome! Never bring your job home! Especially when the report is negative. Reserve something good for your family!

  • Ma' Terry September 2, 2013, 2:28 pm

    Hmmmmmmnnn… So lovely, just getting along.

  • Lovfly July 10, 2013, 7:04 am

    Nice one

  • Esther March 18, 2013, 6:41 am

    Wow! I love the story…….thank u.

  • Raja March 5, 2013, 4:39 am

    Excellent. Keep going 🙂 🙂 🙂

  • Vibha March 4, 2013, 6:10 am

    I wish, everyone has his trouble tree.

  • Grace March 3, 2013, 9:12 am

    Smart man. Not many can be wise like him. Learnt good things from him. Thanks.

  • Rottingam March 1, 2013, 6:33 am

    Amazing and funny story! His home will be full of happines!

  • Noeme D. Catayas March 1, 2013, 2:36 am

    A simple formula to be always happy…

  • PRABHJEET March 1, 2013, 1:56 am

    Good one. every one has trouble in his/her life but very few know how to handle

  • Hassaan February 25, 2013, 1:28 pm

    Good one! Relationships are to be carried till death, but not worries.

  • Shrawan February 23, 2013, 4:51 am

    Wow nice

  • Pratima February 23, 2013, 1:16 am

    Great….! He loves his family very much, so he doesn’t want to trouble his family members as he is taking all the pain and forgets the pain when he sees smile on his wife and childrens face…….! 🙂

    Good One….!

  • Pavani February 23, 2013, 12:55 am

    Cool carpenter

  • Asheet February 23, 2013, 12:17 am

    God bless him…his home…his children and family…thanks for the lesson…..that is why we plant TULSI in our homes.

  • David February 22, 2013, 10:55 pm

    Such a wise carpenter.

  • Lea February 22, 2013, 9:49 pm

    LOL what a nice one!!!

  • Pat February 22, 2013, 1:25 pm

    Wow if I could be like this man life will be so much better and bearable. Lovely story

  • Angel Chan Chan February 22, 2013, 12:47 pm

    Great!:-) His house will always be filled with loving kindness, happiness & wonders:-)

  • Aye Chan Aung February 22, 2013, 12:37 pm

    What a wise man! His home will be home, sweet home forever:-)

  • Dr. Pamplona February 22, 2013, 10:12 am

    There will be joy and happiness always in that house.

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