The Trouble Tree

I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had just finished a rough first day on the job: a flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit and his ancient one ton 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 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's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again." "Funny thing is," he smiled," when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."
(thanks to Jessie for sending me this story)

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I usually hear what I need to hear at meetings and can leave the rest

for coffee @ Starbuck's with a new friend during which we saw/talked to at least 4 other people in recovery

that I got to hear a story of honesty, humility and humor at the noon speaker meeting

for confirmation that the winner of our Miss Lambda Contest will ride in a Lambda Center float in the Gay Pride Parade next month

IT'S NOT BECAUSE THINGS ARE DIFFICULT THAT WE DO NOT DARE;
IT IS BECAUSE WE DO NOT DARE THAT THEY ARE DIFFICULT.
anonymous