It was obvious to everyone in the church building that Uncle Silas Crabtree was troubled about something given the way he was twisting and turning on is pew.

Pastor Jones was long winded but that was the way he always was and Silas had never had a problem with that, he liked long winded preachers. This day something seemed very different.

Uncle Silas twisted and turned even more as he stole quick looks at the clock on the wall. This seemed to be a case of long suffering just like the pastor was preaching this very day.

Uncle Silas had known he should run by the men's outhouse between Sunday School and church, but had decided he could make it since he didn't want to miss any part of the service, even the offering.

Things weren't getting any better for him with the passing of time, and he was dangerously close to the point of no return. But still Pastor Jones preached on.

Uncle Silas began having visions of the men's outhouse dance through his head. One more glance at the clock, plus the rumbling inside his belly convinced him something had to be done, and quickly.

Almost jumping over Aunt Sadie’s feet and pushing past Miss Edna's feet he headed for the back door. Most of those around him had caught wind of the problem by then.

The men were smiling and the women were frowning their disapproval. In a loud whisper he told the people that he had just thought of some urgent business that he needed to take care of.

A pillar of the church, no member was more well thought of than Uncle Silas.

Also, no other person would have caused as much humor and as many smiles as Uncle Silas caused.

Out the door and around the church toward the outhouse he ran as fast as he could go. This incident was long remembered and talked about in the old church. His only remark to ever be made was the well repeated saying around Needmore. "If you don't go when you think you need too, when you do go you may find that you have already been."

God is a good and loving God, and we should take Him and His church with all seriousness. Having said this, he also made us with a sense of humor and the ability to laugh and smile. Mirth doeth good like a medicine, and my hope is that you will get a little mirth medication as you read this.