The old couple invited the new, young pastor in for a farm home visit and some lemonade. The conversation was cordial and then became comfortable.

Used to new callings, the young man finally inquired as to why the couple never had any children since they were so kind in their conversation about the congregation's children.

The old gent launched into some confessional pent-up old feelings.

"Well, we wuz newlyweds" he said, "and I came rushing in, all amorous for the little lady one afternoon."

The "little lady" smirked and waved her hand off toward her husband's direction.

"And, she'd have none of me," he complained.

The little prune-faced country woman, a twinkle in her eyes, smiled.

"Nope," he continued, "she fussed so much, rejected me, and hollered until I decided never..."

"...never," she whispered and sighed.

"Never, ever to bother her again," he shook his head, set his jaw, and looked out the window to the well-tended fields.

The young pastor felt their pain. He tried to counsel them even at this late age.

"No need, pastor," she quipped. "He wouldn't listen then, he won't listen now."

"What do you mean," challenged the old man, "that I don't listen!"

"After all these years, Sweety, you never listen" she sighed..."Sweety, I was trying to tell you THE BARN WAS ON FIRE!"