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."

My Message:

Last week I had a great discussion with a friend on exactly the above story, so thought I would write about it in this weeks email. We all have our difficult days and sometimes difficult weeks at work. It is normal to feel pressured in our daily activities and fighting to keep up in a very fast pace world, but it is so crucial to never bring your troubles into your home as it will affect your relationships with your loved ones. Your home and family are your nest, the centre of your life, the hub from which all your daily experiences extend. Both as children and adults, our home and family are where we should feel most comfortable in the world. When you walk through the doors of your home, you are returning to a place where you can recharge, rejuvenate and be at harmony with yourself and your family - a sanctuary. Once you leave your troubles on the trouble tree, you will be able to be more relaxed and find the space to spend quality time at home. Remember your children will grow up to remember their home as a place of warmth and kindness, where people felt comfortable to gather and talk about things that mattered to them. In all likelihood, these children will grow into adults who will create the same sort of home. Don't waste such a good opportunity for growth, leave those worries outside. 

May you have an awesome week where the important things in your life make all the difference and unnecessary limitations get brushed off with a smile.

Darren Zwiers

 

This Weeks Quote:

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life! ~Albert Einstein