One of the more difficult things about work is learning not to bring work problems home with you. How do you deal with your struggles at work? Or with your health? Or in your relationships?
A carpenter was hired to restore an old farmhouse, and he had a very rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him arrive an hour late, his electric saw quit, and then his ancient pickup truck refused to start so he could go home. The homeowner drove him home in stony silence. On arriving, the carpenter invited him in to meet his family.
As they walked toward the front door, the man paused briefly at a small tree, touching tips of the branches with both hands. Then he opened his door and underwent an amazing transformation. His face went from a frown to a gentle smile as he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a tender kiss. The visit was brief, but the homeowner could see much love in their home.
As they walked to the car, they passed the tree and the homeowner asked him about his touching it earlier. He smiled and said, "That's my Trouble Tree. I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but my troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and children. So I just hang them up on that tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again as I leave. Funny thing, but in the morning there aren't nearly as many as I remember having the night before."
How do you handle your troubles? Where do you keep them? In your stressed voice, or on your face as you meet people? Do you carry them with you or can you put them aside when you come home or meet friends and family?
Jesus said, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34) I like that phrase, "tomorrow will worry about itself." Our Lord is our "Trouble Tree," the One we can mentally or spiritually touch and leave our worries with Him.
Jesus went to Calvary's cross, the greatest Trouble Tree on earth. There He left our sins, our guilt and our condemnation. By faith, we can do the same.
Can you reach out to your Trouble Tree to help yourself and others?
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