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 then his old pickup 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 tanned 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, 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."

"The 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."

Everybody needs a trouble tree..

I have heard that the Tree Kingdoms are willing to "hand up" and disperse the cares and woes felt by humans, to help them ascend at this time... and this is one of the reasons why a walk in the woods or bushland has been found to help many a stressed individual. Next time you pass a tree (and if you are "self-conscious, in a situation when no one else is in sight), hug the tree and thank their kingdom for the blessing of love that they offer us in this way!
Pounamu

Pounamu i have been known to hug a tree even when theres ppl around, ok it may look as though ive lost the plot, but i wont be the one taking my troubles home with me

just a tip though for anyone who hasnt hugged a tree and wants to give it a go.. just make sure theres no ants marching up the trunk first, or theres no bird waiting to use you as target practice

Hi,

I know this story was posted some time ago but I just wanted to say thanks for posting it. A remarkable story with a very good lesson portrayed.

K.