Written by Hendrik Nel
We all know how difficult it is not to bring our “work” home. After a tough day, not to keep thinking at night about all the problems at work. Not to think about possible solutions for the challenges we’ll face tomorrow—while our children and spouse long for our attention and love.
Once, I hired a worker to repair an old wendy house in my yard. On the very first day, he told me he had a flat tire that morning, his electric saw wouldn’t work at the site, and now his old pickup truck wouldn’t start. I offered to drive him home. On the way, he didn’t say a word—just stared ahead in silence, probably thinking about all his problems.
When we arrived at his house, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked to the front door, he paused briefly at a little tree. He touched the tips of its branches with both hands. Then he opened the door, and suddenly, he transformed. His face lit up with a big smile as he hugged his two little girls and kissed his wife.
Later, as he walked me back to my car, we passed the little tree again. I asked him why he had touched it earlier.
“Oh, that’s my problem tree,” he said. “I know every day has its problems, but they don’t belong inside my home with my wife and kids. So when I come home, I hang my problems on the tree. In the morning, when I leave, I pick them up again. And you know what?” he said with a smile. “The funny thing is, when I come back in the morning, there are always fewer problems hanging there than the night before.”
Spend time with the Lord. He is always with you. He is the “Tree” for your challenges, problems, and worries. Give your cares to Him and live in His peace that surpasses all understanding—even in your toughest circumstances.
