BACK SNAIL 6'2m0f Priorities, purity, goals: lesson from a snail (both enter simultaneously from opposite sides) SON -- What's going on Dad? Mom said you wanted to see me. DAD -- Yes, I did. SON -- Can't it wait? I mean, the party is in full swing. (points over shoulder) DAD -- Yes, I noticed that nineteen of the twelve girls you invited showed up. SON -- Come on, Dad. A guy only graduates once. Anyway, it was your idea to have a graduation party. DAD -- I know. I'm just joking. SON -- So, what's so important? DAD -- This. (produces a shoe box, whose bottom and top are gift wrapped separately for easy opening) SON -- (points) That's the box that's been in your closet since I can remember. DAD -- Yes. It's a family tradition. SON -- An empty box? DAD -- I put something in it for your graduation, just like my grandfather did for my Dad and my dad did for me. I hope you'll think enough of this gift to pass it on to your son too. SON -- What is it? DAD -- Open it and find out. SON -- (takes box, opens it, smiles) Is this, like, the family joke? DAD -- No, it's you're graduation gift. SON -- A snail?! DAD -- Not the snail. The gift is the lesson of the snail: The three secrets of success in life. SON -- Three secrets of success in life? From a stupid snail? DAD -- From a snail. SON -- Alright, I'm listening. What are the three life-lessons of the snail? DAD -- Keep moving. SON -- (pause) And? DAD -- And what? SON -- You said there were THREE lessons from the snail. One of the lessons is "keep moving". What are the other two lessons? DAD -- That's the second and third lesson, too. BOTH -- Keep moving. SON -- (turns toward exit, turns back, looks in box, sighs) Is this going to take long? DAD -- If experience is any predictor, this will take about a lifetime. SON -- (sighs) DAD -- Bear with me, Son, this won't take long at all. (points into box) Do you see the trail of slime behind the snail? SON -- Yes. DAD -- The snail moves so slowly that, if it weren't for that trail of slime, it would be difficult to notice that the snail is making any progress at all. Yet, I put this snail in this box only about five minutes ago and you can see he's already made a lot of progress. SON -- (sigh) Okay, I think I see the first lesson of the snail. Keep moving forward, even though you can't see that you're making any progress. DAD -- Bingo. Abraham was over a hundred years old before God's purpose in him was fulfilled, Noah was over 600 years old before the Lord was finished with him. (reaches into pocket, pulls out an imaginary pinch of sugar, drops it carefully in box) SON -- What's that, the second lesson of the snail? DAD -- Yes. SON -- What is that, salt? DAD -- No, it's a couple of grains of sugar. SON -- Well, you just messed up the first lesson. The snail is not moving anymore. BOTH -- He stopped to eat. SON -- So, the second lesson of the snail is "keep moving except when I'm eating?" DAD -- Think a bit more spiritually. SON -- My daily quiet time. DAD -- Exactly. This snail is really stupid. He moves at random around the box, looking for food. But his food is stupid too. It doesn't tell him where to find his next food. SON -- So what you're saying is, the food I get from my daily quiet time cuts down on the randomness of my movement. DAD -- You're so bright. No wonder your mother calls you son. SON -- Alright, lesson number two from the snail: keep moving except when stopping to ask for directions. (points up) DAD -- I like that. Pass that on to YOUR son. SON -- Alright, now you've got my curiosity up. What's the third life-lesson from this stupid snail? DAD -- (reaches into pocket, pulls out an imaginary pinch of sugar, drops it carefully in box) SON -- More sugar. Sorry, Dad, I already learned that lesson. DAD -- (reaches into other pocket, pulls out an imaginary tiny object, drops it carefully in box) No, this one is different. SON -- Is that what I think it is? DAD -- Yes, it is. It's a rat dropping. SON -- A rat dropping?! Eeeeuuuu! Gross! DAD -- I'm placing it between the snail and the sugar. SON -- Eeeeuuu! He's eating it! DAD -- The snail has an excuse. He's extremely stupid. SON -- I'll say. DAD -- He is within easy reach of that delicious sugar, but he settles for much, much less. SON -- (sigh) I think I see why you took me aside during this party, Dad. DAD -- Why? SON -- To tell me that the Lord has a purpose for my life that is as sweet and pure as sugar. But it would be sooooo easy to settle for a lot less. (points over shoulder at party). DAD -- I'm not saying you shouldn't ENJOY the parties and the girls. SON -- I know, but life-lesson number three from the snail is pretty clear. If I'm ever tempted to settle for less than God's best for me,... BOTH -- KEEP MOVING! SON -- Thanks, Dad! (hugs) DAD -- (pulls envelope from pocket, offers it) Here's something else for your graduation. SON -- Oh, thanks, Dad! DAD -- Here, let me take that. (attempts to take box) SON -- No. This is a really cool family tradition. I want to show it to the guys. (points) DAD -- It'll probably gross out the girls. SON -- (shrugs, backing away) Maybe so, but I think everybody could learn a lesson or three from a stupid snail. DAD -- Okay. SON -- Aren't you coming? DAD -- (points over shoulder) I have to wash my hands. SON -- Oh, yeah. DAD -- Happy Graduation, son. (exits) SON -- Thanks, Dad. (turns, exiting, looking in box) Keep moving. ©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 |