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SMOOTH SAILING
MAIN POINT
Life teaches us to be "upwardly mobile," and we sometimes convince ourselves
that we will achieve happiness when we reach a certain age. We may push ourselves all
through our lives to get on to the next thing, never learning how to enjoy our present
situation. Before we know it, life has moved past us, and we're still experiencing
pressure but not peace.
This sketch helps us to see that God's gift of life should be enjoyed and valued at every
point of our existence.
CHARACTERIZATION
John is seen at four stages of his life. At 16, he's a teenager who's worried about
grades, getting his first car and getting out on his own. He sees adulthood as the answer
to his worries. At 24, he is experiencing the pressures of life on his own. He's desperate
to move on from his college years to "real" life, including family and career.
At 40, John is going through a midlife crisis, imagining that peace will come as soon as
the kids move out and he receives a promotion. At 65, John is retired but is still
experiencing pressure and has yet to find peace. Looking back, he sees missed
opportunities for peace and enjoyment of life.
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1) This sketch can be used as an opener for a sermon or can stand alone
for a dramatic call to worship. If used as a sermon opener, omit the speech of the worship
leader. If used as a call to worship, the worship leader's speech should be considered
only as an example of what the leader might say. It's best if the leader uses his or her
own words.
2) Despite the serious themes, this is a comic piece and a light touch by
the actors is required.
3) Ideally, have an individual light come up on each actor. Once each
actor has finished his dialogue, dim the light on him as the light comes up on the next
actor. But keep a dim light on the last actor to indicate that the new actor is the same
character.
4) Costuming is another way to indicate that each actor is the same
character. Give all the actors the same color jacket or sweater. For example, the
16-year-old can wear it, the 24-year-old can tie it around the waist, the 40-year-old
carry it and the 65-year-old wear it. Or you can use one item of clothing that each actor
passes to the next as he finishes his lines.
5) Yet another option is to have all four actors adopt the same stance.
6) One actor could portray John at all ages. To do this, set a simple
prop at four different places across the stage (such as a baseball cap, college
sweatshirt, briefcase, golf cap). As he finishes one speech, he crosses to the next prop,
picks it up and takes on the next "age."
7) Four women could perform the piece by making the necessary adjustments
in the lines.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
Jesus' great question in Matthew 6:25-34, "So, why do you worry...?"
reveals how much pressure we put on ourselves. In Hebrews 11:13-16, we are encouraged to
look forward to the heavenly city, as Abraham did. This would be a great verse to read as
a transition from the sketch into worship. Another transitional passage is 2 Corinthians
4:17-18 which talks about our momentary troubles on earth and the eternal glory which
outweighs them. James 4:13-16 shows that a Christian life-view is, "If it is the
Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
RELATED THEMES
Aside from the pressures of the world, the sketch also deals with growing up and
growing old. Themes of eternity, treasures in heaven and our expectations are also
illustrated. As a call to worship, it can address our need to slow down and meet God in
life.
