A message from FPCA's President, Chief Gary R. Grosser:

The Trouble Tree.

October 1, 1999

As each of us attempt to meet the expectations of those we work for our public and our employeeswe can't help but build anxieties and stress that, if left unchecked, could contribute greatly to our failures, personally and professionally.

I used to be very reactive in my responses to issues placed before me, and I used to carry that burden home with me each day. When I would mention my frustrations, friends would tell me "don't worry about it ­ it's just a job." We all know that what we do is not "just a job". What we do affects a few, or many; we have the authority to control an individual's freedom or the well being of an entire community.

Our personal well being is usually the last consideration. In the school of "leadership" in which I was raised, a leader took care of the troops first; then he considered his own welfare. I still do that today, but with a slightly different approach.

Some time ago, I read a parable which spoke to this issue. Recently, a friend sent me a copy and it reminded me of how important our methods of handling difficult issues affects those around us. The parable is titled: "The Trouble Tree", the author is unknown, but I include it in this message for your consideration.

"The Trouble Tree"

The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start.

While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me 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.

After opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles, and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward, he walked me to my 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 for sure, 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. Then in the morning, I pick them up again. "Funny thing is," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."

Each of us need to find, or plant, our own "trouble tree", and to help others find their own "trouble tree". We each have enough to carry without also carrying the burden of many days past.