Another Mother’s Day Drama

Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and once again, I came up with a short skit for church in honor of the event. Over the years, I have created several Mother’s Day skits, and I have posted two of them (see here and here). Interestingly enough, the first link is my most-viewed post for this year. Since that indicates at least some interest in Mother’s Day skits for church, I thought I would go ahead and post this new one as well.

Before I share the script, I would like to make a couple of notes. The only “set” I used for this skit was a single chair at center stage. I had a spot on the chair, and it was “loose” enough for the father to be seen well as long as he stayed close to the chair. You can put crumpled-up sheets of paper around the chair to indicate that Jack has been working hard, but that’s not necessary. Also, both readings (the bad poem at the beginning and the heartfelt note at the end) can be written in Jack’s notebook already, so that he need not memorize either piece. Finally, there is no reason for Jack to be a young man. You could change the name to Jill and use a young woman instead.)

As always, you are free to use this skit in any way that might edify the body of Christ. I would like to be credited if possible, but more importantly, I would like Christ to be glorified.

A Few Words From The Heart

(Lights come up on a teen sitting in a chair. He has a notebook in his hands and is trying to write something. He is clearly frustrated. His father enters.)

Dad: Hi son. What are you up to?

Jack: (distracted) I’m trying to make mom a card for Mother’s Day.

Dad: (enthusiastic) Oh. Going “old school,” are you? Great idea. I remember how much your mom loved it when you were a kid and made her cards. This will be real nostalgic for her! How’s it going?

Jack: (frustrated) Not well. I’m having trouble deciding what to write on the inside.

Dad: (still enthusiastic) Anything I can do to help?

Jack: (a little embarrassed) Could you listen to what I have so far and tell me what you think?

Dad: Sure!

Jack: (Reading it in a sing-song way, emphasizing that it is supposed to be a cute poem. Also, he needs to read “good” so that it rhymes with “food.” As he reads, dad gets more and more uncomfortable):

Mom, I think you’re just great.
In fact, I think you’re pretty first-rate.
You wash my clothes and cook me food.
What can I say? As a mom, you’re good.

(pause)

Dad: (pronouncing it the same way, so that it rhymes with “food”) Good?

Jack: (pronouncing it correctly this time) Well…it’s really “good,” but it needs to rhyme with “food.”

Dad: (trying to be gentle) I see….do you…have anything else?

Jack: That’s all I have.

Dad: (putting his hand on Jack’s shoulder) Son. I’m not going to lie to you. That was AWFUL!

Jack: (defeated) Yeah. I thought so too. Man, this is hard!

Dad: Son, if you want my advice, stop the rhyming. Cards don’t need to rhyme. They need to express what’s in your heart. Just tell your mom how you feel about her.

Jack: But how do I put that into words?

Dad: Well, maybe you just need some inspiration. Why don’t you think back through the years and concentrate on those times your mom went out of her way to make your life better. The times she did something really nice for you, gave you good advice, helped you through a rough patch. Those kinds of things. If you think about times like that, the words should come naturally.

Jack: But I’ve lived for so long! Where do I start?

Dad: (sarcastically) Yes, son. You have lived a long, long time. Okay. Let me give you an example. Do you remember when you had strep throat?

Jack: (a bad memory) Yeah.

Dad: Do you remember what your mom did?

Jack: (thinking – then excited) Yes! She pulled the Lazy Boy next to my bed and basically stayed there the entire time. Every time I woke up, she was there.

Dad: Do you know why she did that?

Jack: Because she loves me?

Dad: (a bit annoyed) Of course. Of course. But there was a practical reason as well. She knew that the thing you needed more than anything else was sleep. She also knew that your throat would wake you up, and you would have to drink something, eat some ice cream, or take a pill to deal with the pain. She didn’t want you getting up and doing that, because she knew it would be harder for you to get back to sleep. She stayed by your bedside so that she would be there to get you what you needed. That way, you could get right back to sleep. I guarantee you that you got better faster because of what she did.

Jack: (now starting to get inspired) You know, you’re probably right.

Dad: So concentrate on memories like that, and I think the words will come.

Jack: Thanks, dad!

Dad: Actually, thank you. I kind of forgot about Mother’s Day. I need to run out and get presents for your mom and my mom!

(Dad runs out. Jack thinks, turns the page in his notebook, and acts like he is writing the following words as he says them.)

Mom,

You have done so much for me over the years.
You took care of me when I was sick,
and your love sped the healing.
You taught me right from wrong,
urging me to do what was right.
And even when I didn’t live up to your expectations,
you loved my anyway.
Because of your example,
I was able to understand Christ’s love for me.

You are the best and wisest person I know,
and I cannot believe I am lucky enough to have you as my mother.

Love,
Jack

(lights out)