Paresh, an Indian carpenter, was hired to restore an antique
farmhouse. He had just finished a very trying and difficult first
day on the new project. A flat tire on his truck caused him to be an
hour late for work; his electric saw broke down during a critically important
task; and his ancient pickup truck refused to start at the end of the
workday. During the drive home (courtesy of a co-worker), Paresh said
not one word. He just sat, shrouded in a
pensive cloud of silence.
Upon arriving home, Paresh invited the co-worker to meet
his family, as was the custom of his people. But as they 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 to his home,
Paresh had undergone an amazing transformation.
His tanned face was wreathed in smiles as he warmly hugged his two
children and gave his wife a gentle kiss.
After a cup of tea, Paresh walked his co-worker to the
car. They passed the tree where Paresh had stopped earlier, and his
co-worker’s curiosity got the best of him. He asked why he had
paused there before.
“Oh, that's my trouble tree,” Paresh responded
quickly. “I know I can’t help having troubles on the job, but one
thing for sure, troubles don’t belong in our house with my wife and
children. So I just hang them on the tree every night when I come
home. Then in the morning I pick them up again. Funny thing is,” Paresh smiled winningly,
“when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren’t nearly as many as
I remember hanging the night before.”
Think about it.
Sometimes, all it takes is one night’s rest to gain fresh
perspective. For your information, I too
have a “Trouble Tree.” It’s called
PRAYER.
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please
(above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.
Maranatha!
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