The following is a parable. Given the difficulties and worries that surround many during this season, along with the downturn in the economy, I thought it apropos.

Once upon a time there was a carpenter, no not that carpenter. He was a regular guy like you or me. This carpenter left for the job-site one morning but, unfortunately, his car broke down and he was late. When he finally got to the job-site he was met with a series of problems, stresses and difficulties. As one of the Lead Carpenters he had a number of responsibilities including getting the job done on time but on this day two major pieces of equipment failed. So our carpenter had to call the Equipment Reps, one of whom was a difficult person, and could not get this particular machine repaired or replaced for several days.

To top off our carpenter’s afternoon, he cut his hand. The cut was not so wide or deep that he required stitches but it interfered with his work and was painful. He disinfected the cut and wrapped his hand in a bandage.

At the end of the day one of the other workers, a buddy of his named John offered him a lift home. The carpenter gladly accepted because his car was going to be in the shop for the next several days. When they pulled up to the carpenter’s house he invited John to dinner. John was a single guy and gladly accepted the offer of a home cooked meal. They proceeded up the cement walk to the carpenter’s modest, but well kept house. But before they went to the door the carpenter turned towards an old oak tree to the right of his property, greeted it and reached into both pants pockets and turned the empty pockets inside out. John observed with equal measures of amusement and bewilderment as the carpenter proceeded to throw empty air at the old oak with both arms.

Before John could comment or ask about the strange behavior they were met by the carpenter’s two young children who jumped into their father’s arms. At the door the carpenter’s wife greeted the carpenter and John warmly and they entered this simple but warm home. The dinner was enjoyable for the family and the friend and John was struck with just how warm and enjoyable it was. Over coffee he conveyed to the carpenter how much he enjoyed the meal and the company. The carpenter nodded appreciatively.

John then had a thought and cocked his head, “I have just one question.”

“What?” asked the carpenter.

“What was all that business with the tree? You emptied your pockets and threw air at the tree. Why?"

“Oh,” the carpenter smiled. “That’s my Problem Tree. Before I enter my home I wish to be happy and in the present. so I give over all of my problems and stresses to the Problem Tree. And in the morning when I gather my things up to leave my problems, for the most part, are gone or at the very least in the proper perspective.”

So you see dear reader, many of the “problems” that weigh on us so do not really have to be problems that must be solved at all. Give some thought to this idea of using a Problem Tree. And if you do use the idea, may your Problem Tree ease your burdens and allow your spirit to soar.

Frank Nichols, LCSW, is a Social Worker, Speaker and Consultant who in addition to individual and couples counseling combines psychotherapy with meditative practices.

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