The Trouble Tree

Normally on my drive to work, it's spent in the peace of my car. I'm mentally going through what all I need to get accomplished for the day etc. However, this particular morning, I turned on the radio and caught a portion of a morning radio show. The host read this story... and it really made me stop and think...

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.'


Isn't it truly amazing that when we give things to the Lord... 100%... that he takes care of those burdens for us? Maybe not always in our time... but it's always in HIS time.


And remember...

"It's no trick loving somebody at their best. Love is loving them at their worst."

What kind of plate are you?

While having a conversation today with a co-worker.. we were discussing our jobs, the stresses of life and how we deal with them.

There are days that I can be like a china plate.. strong, durable and able to carry heavy loads, while other days I'm like the cheap paper plate that tends to collapse under the least amount of pressure.

Have you ever noticed, though, that when you do use those cheap paper plates.. one doesn't seem to cut it... but if you use 2 or 3.. it provides some much needed support.


God is just that... he's those 2 or 3 extra plates that provide some much needed support when we alone just can't handle the job. He helps us to carry our loads.

My prayer is that I can be that strong plate.. serving him.. sharing his word.. but I'm thankful that on those days when I'm that flimsy paper plate... he's there to support me, to guide me.. and to help carry my loads.


Isn't it great? Isn't God great?

What kind of plate will you be for God?

Tonight I'm Thankful.....

... for the job that stresses me daily, because there are people who are jobless.

... for a boss who treats me with respect and values my opinions, and inspires me to learn all that I can.

... for Christian neighbors.

... for a Christian mother and father who don't mind when I call at 11:20 pm because my hot water heater has busted and my bathroom is flooded.

... for a house that can be flooded.... because there are people who are homeless.

... for a God that reminds me when I'm mopping up water at midnight.. that there are worse things than a busted water heater, and who promises he'll take care of me, no matter what.

... for my children... because they are truly gifts from God.

... for my husband... of 9 years.



May we all remember the things.. big and small... no matter how insignificant they may seem.. may we just remember.. and be thankful.

Peace

Peace... sweet peace. It really is indescribable. Today, the day after the election, and yet I am at peace. The weeks leading up to this, I've felt such highs and lows, and so many different emotions. I've worked with people who support the opposing candidate. Of course, I wanted my candidate to win. Who doesn't? Isn't that why we vote? To see our "person" win??

Yesterday, while working the election, God gave me the answer that I've been looking for. This is all in his plan. You see, no matter who rides on this boat, HE is the captain. HE is at the helm, and it is HE who leads me. He knew what the outcome would be even before the first vote was cast.

I've had many people tell me today that they are scared of what our future holds... I'm not. I know what my future holds, and it's so much more than what we have here on earth . As I settled in bed last night with the election hum drum in the background, I drifted off to sleep not knowing the final outcome.

I woke up at 3:30 am and immediatly tuned in for the results.. and as I sat watching and listening to the commentators.. an old sweet hymn came to mind.

Standing on the promises....

Thank you Jesus, thank you. Thank you for reminding me that even at 3:30 in the morning, while my precious family was sleeping, I can have peace in knowing that God's promises remain.

I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

Today, more than ever, I choose to stand on God's promises, anchor my soul in that Haven of Rest, and set my sights on the horizon because MY captain is behind the wheel, and he's leading me to my heavenly home.