The old farmhouse was worn down a bit, located on a country road surrounded by trees of all seasons. Its faded red sides stood out against the fields and the woods. The paint had turned shabby and some of the panes had been broken by the harsh winds of winter. Now, with Spring approaching, the farmer had decided to fix up the place. He hired a carpenter to help him. The first day had not been a good one for the carpenter. A flat tire had cost him an hour of work. Then, his electric saw quit and now his ancient pick up truck refused to start. The farmer had to drive him home. On the way the carpenter sat in stone silence. Upon arrival he invited the farmer to meet his family. As the two men walked to the front door the carpenter paused at a small tree. He touched the the tips of the branches with both hands. When he opened the front door he underwent a transformation. His tan face was wreathed in smiles as he hugged his two small children and kissed his wife. Afterwards, the carpenter walked the farmer back to his car. As they passed the tree the farmer’s curiosity got the best of him. He asked about the carpenter touching the leaves. “Oh,” said the farmer…that’s my trouble tree. I know I can’t help but have troubles in my job, but one things for sure. Troubles don’t belong in my home with my wife and children. So, I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. And, in the morning I pick them up again. Funny thing is, and he smiled, when I pick them up there aren’t nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.” In the carpenter’s story perhaps there is a message for all of us about placing problems in perspective and not let them disturb the peace and beauty of family and the miracle of this Earth.
(written by Virgil Dominic)