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. Afterwards 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 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 ain't nearly as many as I remembered hanging up the night before."
How wonderful that those of us who are Christians have something far better than a tree on which to lay our worries. The question is, do we take advantage of what God has offered us? Are we willing to give out troubles to our heavenly Father each evening knowing that in the morning the load will be lighter?
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
(1 Peter 5:6-7)
