BACK HAPPY 4'?m2f Prosperity, faith, and the pursuit of happiness (scene: two chairs facing audience separated by small table with phone and Bible, push broom lies on floor behind chair) LIZ -- (enters wearing lab coat, straightens chairs, phone and Bible) AMY -- (enters opposite crying, approaches) Hi, I hope it was alright that I came right in. The receptionist was out of the office. LIZ -- (looks around) Oh, sure, no problem. (notices tears) Is something wrong? AMY -- (cries aloud) LIZ -- (points to chair) Please have a seat. AMY -- Thank you. I'm sorry. I told myself I wasn't going to cry. But look at me. I'm a mess. LIZ -- (sits) What's wrong? AMY -- I... Well, I'm not happy. LIZ -- You're not happy? AMY -- No. I know there's something wrong with me. But I don't know what it is. I've confessed my sins. I've spent hours in prayer. But I'm still not happy. LIZ -- You're not happy? That's all that's wrong with you? You're not happy? AMY -- Yes. Isn't that enough? The Lord wants me to be happy, doesn't he? LIZ -- I don't mean to be insensitive. But I think you've been watching too much television. AMY -- What do you mean by that? Do you think that watching less television will make me happy? LIZ -- Actually, yes I do. But it's really beside the point. AMY -- I'm sorry. You're not making any sense. LIZ -- Have you been watching those health and wealth preachers on TV, the one's who proclaim the "name it and claim it" gospel? AMY -- Well, yes. LIZ -- Stop it. AMY -- Excuse me? LIZ -- I said stop it. Stop listening to those "feel good" preachers. They're the ones who are making you feel bad. AMY -- They are? LIZ -- Yes. (picks up Bible tosses it into Amy's lap) Here. AMY -- (startled) What's this? LIZ -- It's a Bible. AMY -- I know it's a Bible. But what's it for? LIZ -- You show me a Bible verse that says God wants you to be happy. AMY -- (opens Bible) Actually, I don't think I can remember one. LIZ -- That's because there isn't one. AMY -- There isn't? LIZ -- Not a one. That's your problem. You don't need a shrink. You just need to read your Bible more, and spend less time listening to those "feel good" preachers. AMY -- (turns pages) So, the Lord doesn't want me to be happy? LIZ -- That's not what I said. I said there's no Bible verses that say that the Lord wants you to be happy. I think it would be okay with the Lord if you were happy. But happiness is just not something the Lord wants you to pursue. AMY -- What about "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"? LIZ -- That's from the Declaration of Independence, not the Bible. Pursuit of happiness is not even mentioned in the Bible, neither is pursuit of health or wealth. AMY -- Didn't I read something in proverbs? LIZ -- You want a proverb? Read Proverbs 23:4. AMY -- (turns pages) Here it is. Proverbs 23:4 "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint." Oh. That's kind of the opposite of pursuing wealth isn't it? LIZ -- It's a waste of time pursuing health, wealth and happiness. It takes time away from the important things in life. AMY -- What important things? LIZ -- Like loving the Lord and doing his work. AMY -- Will that make me happy? LIZ -- (snaps) Forget about happiness! It's way overrated! You won't get any lasting benefit from happiness or health or wealth. On the other hand, if you spend your time loving the Lord and doing his work, He promises lots of rewards. And, who knows, you may even get some happiness in the process. Your problem is, you're grabbing the bull by the wrong end. AMY -- Yes, I suppose I am. LIZ -- The Lord is way more interested in developing your character than your happiness. AMY -- Yes. I've heard that before... somewhere. LIZ -- Probably Matthew 6:33. AMY -- Matthew 6:33.... LIZ -- "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and ..." AMY -- "...and all these things will be given to you as well." Oh. LIZ -- Take my word, if you spend your life loving the Lord and doing his work, happiness will not be a problem for you. You certainly won't need to see a shrink. AMY -- Yes. You're right. (stands, offers hand) You're absolutely right. Thank you. LIZ -- (shakes) You're welcome. AMY -- (exiting) Goodbye, Doctor. LIZ -- (picks up broom, sweeps, laughs, exiting opposite) Doctor! Hey, maybe I should be a shrink. ©2013 Bob Snook. Conditions for use: Do not sell any part of this script, even if you rewrite it. Pay no royalties, even if you make money from performances. You may reproduce and distribute this script freely, but all copies must contain this copyright statement. http://www.bobsnook.org email: [email protected] BACK |