Lenten Series
The Living Gifts 

THE CHARACTERS

Lee and Patricia Dodger are in their late 40’s approximately.  They are a typically Christian couple, struggling to raise their children in a loving environment and sharing their home with friends and strangers alike.  Lee is a businessman who works in the city, and Patricia keeps the home and is involved in numerous community efforts.  Patricia prefers to be called “Trish”, but her mother, Gena, stays with ‘Patricia’.  Lee, a take-charge type, pontificates when he gets a chance.  

Candy and Eric Dodger are the teen-age children.   Candy is 1 – 2 years older than Eric and thus a little bossier toward him.  He is more of a tease to her.  They fake a lot of hostility, but are genuinely fond of each other.  The vocabulary of the young people may have to be updated or changed according to regional “in” words.

Kenton, Patricia’s brother, is married to Lois. They are younger, min-30ish.  At first, Kent dresses in 3-piece suits or the latest in ski war, or fashionable sweaters.  Together, Lois and Kent make a definite Yuppy statement!  Their lives are caught up in the quest for all the material pleasures of life, until Kent loses his job in the Endurance episode.  After that, Lois’ attire relaxes a bit, and Kent starts to imitate Howard’s attire.

Gena, Patricia’s Mother, is slightly infirm in her 70’s.  She needs to be a little stooped and gray and talk slowly, loudly, and with a Scandinavian brogue.  She shuffles along when she walks and exhibits some pain in movement. She wears the same clothes a lot, and a funny little hat when she goes out.  An apron and slippers would appropriate for her when she is home.  The name is not the Italian Gina, but a Norwegian soft “g” sound, like Gheena.

Howard (How Weird!) is a car salesman.  He is a bachelor who strolls in and out of the Dodger home as though he was one of the family.  A strong bond of affection ties them together.  He is loud, crude, demonstrative, boisterous, and loveable!  His clothing style is flashy and ridiculous.  A shopping trip to the Used Clothing Stores may turn up a good wardrobe of loud print polyester jackets, gaudy ties, and strange trousers of him to wear.  He may also sport a cowboy hat and boots and speak in a semi-western drawl.  Howard usually had a newspaper, or part of one (probably the car ads) in his back pocket.  This stuck out over his jacket.  As Kent starts to work for Howard, he begins to wear these clothing styles too, but not in quite so gaudy a manner.

The narrator may want to emulate Mr. Fred Rogers of TV’s Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.  If so, he may come with a suit jacket, change into a sweater, change shoes, hang up his coat, etc., as one sees Mr. Rogers do.  Perhaps he may want to do just one of those activities a week, and slowly add the others.  One might also consider having the song played or sung at least 2 or 3 times during the series.  When he becomes old Mr. Theodore in the last episode, he should surprise the hair, a shaggy beard of audience when he comes out in the last scene and have gray.

The Seven Living Gifts: Faith (Episode #1)

Narrator:
Our Lenten Series this year is based on a New Testament letter written to Christians who share in the faith, people much like us.  It reads like this:

Dear People of Grace Lutheran:

Since we share in the faith, we know that God has given us everything necessary for life.  God’s gifts and promises are great beyond all price.   He has given us the gift of faith and it is most important that we make that faith grow by adding to it knowledge, self-control, courage, and endurance, piety, brotherly kindness and love.  The person who does not develop and use these gifts is shortsighted and blind and has forgotten how he was forgiven for his sins.  But, my friends, if you make a true effort to confirm God’s choice and calling of you. You will never come to grief and you will have full and free admission into the eternal kingdom.  Grace and peace to you.  Signed, Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1: 3-11)

In the next few weeks, we are going to consider what Peter’s letter might mean for us in life as we and others experience it.  In fact, we are going to have a very close look at an interesting, unusual, and uniquely named group of people who are related to one another by blood, marriage, friendship or circumstance.

We are going to meet the Dodger family:  Lee and Patricia Dodger and their children, Eric and Candy.  We will meet an upwardly mobile and active young couple appropriately named Kent and Lois.  And we will get to know two very distinctive personalities – Grandma Gena and Howard.  Howard talks funny and is blunt but is generally a good old boy.  Grandma is not.  By the way, I am required here to state that any similarity to persons living or dead, or to events past or present, could not have been avoided.

During these next weeks, I will be your interpreter and tour guide.   Since most of the action will take place at the home of the Dodgers, I suppose we could subtitle this series: Mr. Dodger’s Neighborhood.  If we are to visit Mr. Dodger’s Neighborhood, I really should dress more appropriately.  (Asks child to bring up his sweater and changes from jacket to sweater.)

Now then, let’s look in on Lee and Patricia Dodger.  In the true traditions of soap opera, a crisis is brewing.

(Patricia and Lee are seated at a dining table, coffee poured.)

Lee:
What are we going to do?

Trish:
I don’t know.  I just can’t figure it out.

Lee:
Well, what did the doctor say?

Trish:
He said that mother couldn’t live at home anymore...that she was becoming frail and forgetful.  She needs to be put in a nursing home.

Lee:
Did you call your brother Kent yet?

Trish:
Kenton?  He’s never any help.  You know that, and now with Lois’ broken leg, that ski accident, they’ll have another excuse.

Lee:
So once again, it’s on your shoulders.

Trish:
OUR shoulders, dear.  Don’t forget all the times I’ve had to bail you out with YOUR relatives.

Lee:
I have a good idea (uneasy laugh) Nutsy!  Ha ha!  How about your mother coming to live with us?

Trish:
You’ve got to be kidding.

Lee:
She wouldn’t be that bad.

Trish:
Not that bad?  She is impossible to live with.  She’ll stick her nose into everyone else’s business, just like she always does.  She’ll make everyone do things HER way.  Why, I can’t even boil water to suit her.

Lee:
Come on now, Trish.

Trish:
Don’t give me any of this come on now stuff.  She’ll start  telling us how to raise the kids.  Pick, pick, pick.  And then she’ll get into one of her moods and give us the silent treatment.  (Gets lost in her own thoughts)

Lee:
You’re exaggerating.  Once again, you’re stretching the truth.

Trish:
I don’t know.  I wish Kent were more reliable.

(There is a knock on the door.  Kent and Lois enter.  Lee goes to welcome them.)

Lee:
Hi, Kent.  How’s the leg Lois?  (All go to the table.  Lois sits, Kent stands near)

All:
Hellos, fine.

Lee:
We were just going to the doctor’s office and thought we would stop by for a cup of coffee.

Lois:
Is this a good time for us to hobble in?  That ski accident was so unfortunate.

Trish:
We’re sorry Lois.  We’re so glad to see you, ESPECIALLY you, Kent.

Kent:
Oh, what’s going on?

Trish:
I just got a call from Dr. Wilson about Mother.

Kent:
What about?

Trish:
Dr. Wilson says that Mom can’t stay at home anymore.  She has become too forgetful and frail.  Something could happen to her.

Kent:
You mean she’s not the tough, self-sufficient old gal she used to be?

Lois:
We knew this day was coming and it looks like it’s here.

Kent:
Is that for sure? Mom can no longer live in her apartment?

Lois:
That’s for sure!

Kent:
Oh my.  That’s going to pose a problem for us.  She’s been a real tyrant all her life, and there’s no place in the whole world she would be happy...mmmm...Are you sure about what the doctor said?

Lois:
What can we do about it anyway?  Our lives are just so busy now, and I don’t know what we would do...and...

Kent:
Sis, I wish our schedule would permit us to help more, but we’re so committed right now. Let’s all just settle down.  Maybe you need to talk to the doctor again and find out what exactly needs to be done.

Lee:
Kent, I have an idea.  How about your mom living at your house. You have that big family room.  I could help you build a little kitchenette and we...

Kent:
Oh, no, you don’t.  You must be pulling my leg!

Lois:
Why, Lee.  How could we?  We are both gone all day.  We both have jobs.   We couldn’t have her there alone. (Lois and Kent are looking back and forth at each other for strength and encouragement – a rather helpless and pathetic list follows.)

Kent:
We have PacWest – our fitness club...

Lois:
I have bridge, of course, and my Bible studies.  And now my physical therapy.

Kent:
There’s choir and our recreation – we hope to be back on the slopes soon.

Lois:
It just wouldn’t work out, I’m afraid, especially with my knee.

Kent:
Mom couldn’t handle our schedule, I’m afraid.  I truly feel guilty, but that’s the way it is.  In fact, we’re getting a little behind schedule right now.  We have to go to a doctor’s appointment – need another x-ray.

Trish:
Well, Kent.  What can we do?

Kent:
I’ll give you a call tonight when we get back.

Trish:
But I’m afraid that...

Kent:
Don’t worry!  We’ll work it all out and believe me, I will do my share.

Trish:
You truly will call then?

Kent:
Yes, Sis.  It may be late, 11:00 or so, but I will call.  (Hugs Patricia good-bye.  A knock is heard on the door.  Good-byes all around as Kent and Lois head toward the door.)  We gotta get moving.

Howard:
(Walking in)  Hi there neighbors!  I’m looking for my morning cup of coffee.  Hey, Kent, my boy, got time to chat?

Kent:
Sorry, Howard, but we’re busy.  Gotta run.

Howard:
(Gruffly) You’re always in a rush!  Never have time.

Kent:
Lay off, Howard.  (He and Lois exit.)

Howard:
(Continues talking to Kent as though he was still there.)  You never have time to sit down with me and have a cup of coffee.  You’re going to have a heart attack one of these days.  Always the same, every day.  Run, run, run.

Lee:
Here Howard, have a cup yourself.  (Hands Howard cup.)

Howard:
Trish, honey, I hate to tell you this, but your brother is a creep, sooooo selfish...

Trish:
Don’t be too hard on Kent.  I know he is a little self-centered, but he’s my baby brother.  I love him.

Howard:
Well, of course...(distracted by entrance of teenage boy from back.  He is in cut-offs, hair rumpled, yawning.)

Eric:
Morning, Mom.

Trish:
Is it alive?  Or is it Memorex?

Eric:
Oh, stop.

Trish:
Brrr!  That’s a little chilly.

Eric:
Where’s breakfast?

Trish:
It’s Saturday. You-fix-em.  Remember?

Eric:
(Whining)  Aaaaawwwww, Mom.

Lee:
Is your sister up yet?

Candy:
(Enters, bouncy and bright.)  Someone calling me? Here I am.  (Goes across and ruffles Eric’s hair even more than it is.)

Eric:
Give me a break!

Candy:
Okay.  How about your left arm?  (Grabs arm to fake breaking it.)

Trish:
Kids!  Go eat!

Candy:
Yeah.  Let’s grab some Twinkies and watch the tube.  (They exit “over” Howard.)

Howard:
Geeze, what is this?  A zoo?

Trish:
Oh, Howard.  We have a problem.  My mother needs a new place to live.  Her doctor says she just can’t live alone anymore.

Howard:
Your mother?  Madam Mouth?  Who would want to have that lady for a roommate?

Trish:
I know what you mean.  (Sigh)

Lee:
We’ve got to get serious here.  Regardless of your mother’s personality and your past relationship with her, we have to do something to solve this problem.  We need to take the rational approach.  What are we going to do?  What are the options?

Candy:
(Has been listening to the last speech at the door.)  How about her living here with us...(Eric enters)...in Eric’s room?  (They tussle again.)

Howard:
You know that his room isn’t fit for human habitation.  It’s the pit of all pits.

Candy:
No, I was teasing about that.  But she really could come here and live, you know.  We could handle that.

Trish:
Grandma?

Candy:
Yes!  I like Grandma.  We would find a place for her here – the sewing room -the den.

Lee:
The laundry room with the dirty laundry.

Trish:
The attic with the other witches.

Howard:
The basement to scare away the spooks.

Candy:
Stop it!  All of you!  Grandma is a sweetie!

Trish:
(Gets quieter)  Well, yes, honey, we were just kidding.  But honestly, Candy, can’t you see that I could not emotionally handle her living here.

Candy:
You’re the one who has told us that we need to have faith for tough situations...to trust God in all times...in all circumstances. (Mocking her mother’svoice.)  “God will provide...for your every need.”  How many times have we heard you say that?

Eric:
FELLOW SINNERS, THE VOICE OF GOD HAS SPOKEN!

Eric:
I’m outta here.

Trish:
You’re right, Howard.  This place is a zoo.  (Throws her hands up and exits.)

Lee:
(Heads after Trish.)  Wait a minute.  We haven’t decided anything.  What are we going to do about Grandma Gena?

Howard:
(Stands in the middle of the stage, all alone.)  If I have to live next to a zoo, at least I know there’ll always be a feeding time.  (Grabs a doughnut and exits.)

Narrator:
One of the nice things about being in Mr. Dodger’s Neighborhood is that we can pretend a lot.  We can make time fly, stand still, or go backward.  In this case, several weeks have gone by and after a long and painful struggle, a decision has been made about what to do with Grandma.  She will come to live with the Dodger family.  Today is the big day.  Grandma Gene is scheduled to arrive.

Trish:
(Frantically straightening the room, papers, cups.  She is in her robe.)  I’ll never have this place looking good enough for her!

Candy:
(Entering)  What are you doing, Mom?

Trish:
Dad’s gone to get Gramma Gena and I am a wreck!  She makes me so nervous.  Oh, God, help me.  Here, dear, you dust a bit.

Candy:
(Grabs Trish’s arm and stops her.)  Come on, Mom, relax.  Look at it this way.  Maybe this is the chance you and Gram have needed to get to really know each other.  You and I have a special relationship.  Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have that same special relationship with your mom?

Trish:
Is it possible?  I don’t know.  It seems impossible.

Trish:
Well...

Candy:
Gram’s always been good to me.  She has a good heart, if you’d give her a chance.  She needs us now.

Trish:
You’re right, of course.  Maybe it won’t be as bad as I’ve imagined.

(Banging of a door offstage.  Trish starts to take off her housecoat  and runs toward back stage to toss it aside.  She stands there to hide.)

Lee:
We’re here.  Come in, Gena.  I’ll go get the luggage.

Gena:
It’s cold in here.  Can’t you people afford heat?  I didn’t know I was coming to Alaska!  Where is that Patricia?  Do you suppose she has a decent cup of coffee anywhere?  (Looks back to see Trish.)  There you are...(Trish hugs Gena)  I suppose the reason you didn’t come to the airport is because you wish I wasn’t here.

Trish:
Oh, Mother!  (They hug) Come back in the kitchen and have a chair!  (Gramma exits – still stewing an muttering.)  Oh, God, please help me.  You know I can’t do it without you!  (She exits to kitchen.)

Gena:
(Exits, grabs cookie)  This cookie looks as bad as the ones on the airplane.

Narrator:
Gramma has indeed arrived and it appears that Patricia’s worst fears are going to be realized.  It’s going to be a tough time for everyone and we will want to check in on the situation when we next get together. Did you notice that in this very dark moment, Patricia Dodger finds herself looking upward and praying.  “God, please help me.”  Isn’t that the same experience that you and I have?  When we are in trouble or in need, there is something inside us, some instinct, that tells us that our help, hope and protection is in God; in his power, his wisdom, his love. I think that that is an instinct felt by all humans, whether they are rich or casual in their faith.  Maybe that is the mustard seed of faith – an inner sense of a need for God.  When the Apostle Peter wrote that letter to Christians like us, he was writing to people whose sense of faith was more developed, more than just basic instinct. He was writing to people who have been taught and who know something of the nature of God and his specific promises:  that He is indeed king of all and Father of all; that He is here and available to heal us and to help us in our need; that He loves us and forgives us for our sins and our weaknesses.  All we must do is believe these promises.  That is faith.

Next week we will come back again to Mr. Dodger’s Neighborhood and see if we can learn anything about what it means to supplement one’s faith with knowledge.  But – that’s another story for another day.

Back to Dramas

The Seven Living Gifts: Knowledge (Episode #2)

Narrator:
Good Evening, everyone.  In a minute we will begin our visit to Mr. Dodger’s Neighborhood.  This is the second of our Lenten series in which we are thinking about faith and how it grows and is used for building the Kingdom of God.  Peter, in his second letter of the New Testament, wrote that faith is a gift given to all of us.  It may be raw and undeveloped at the start, but as a gift from God, it has great potential.  It should not be left to stagnate, but must be put to work in order to have the fullness and value that God intended.  An important ingredient to be added to our faith is knowledge...and that is our subject for this evening’s play.

For those of you who were not here last Wednesday, I would like to summarize what happened in episode one of Mr. Dodger’s Neighborhood.  It was a tough time for Patricia Dodger.  Her mother, Grandma Gena, could no longer live by herself.  Where was she to go?

Brother Kent and his wife, Lois, the yuppie couple, were no help.  There was no room in their inn.  And for Lee and Patricia Dodger and their two children, Eric and Candy, having Grandma Gena come to live with them posed a real problem because Gena had reputation of being, how shall I say it gently, a bit strong-minded.  In fact, I think if the Dodger’s strange friend, Howard, had been a witness to Genoa’s arrival, he would have suggested that she came in by Broomstick Express.  But then, all of these are first impressions.

We have mercifully spared you the trauma of the first weeks of settling in with Grandma. By now some routine has again been established in the Dodger household. 

Episode of Mr. Dodger’s Neighborhood.

(Grandma Gena is sitting alone with a cup of coffee, a plate of cinnamon rolls, and her Bible.)

Gena:
Now, where was I?  Ah, Psalm 23.  The Lord is my shepherd.  I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures and restores my soul.  Ah yes, Lord, I’m in great need of having my soul restored.

Lee:
(Coming down from bedroom.)  Well, good morning, Gena.  What a surprise to see you up so bright and early.

Gena:
I wasn’t sleeping too well anyway, so I decided to come down and make some cinnamon rolls and read my Bible.

Lee:
Oh, cinnamon rolls.  That was thoughtful of you.  Mmmmmmmm, I’ll have  one.  (Pours coffee and takes a roll.)  You weren’t sleeping well?

Gena:
I seem to have trouble now and then, you know.  I miss my own home, my own bed and pillow.

Lee:
Oh?

Gena:
Yes, and then I start thinking about things.....

Lee:
What things?

Gena:
Just.....things.  I miss my own friends.  Everything seems messed up and just not the way I want it to be.  I feel worthless, in the way.  Wait’ll you get old.  You’ll see.

Candy:
(Entering) Hi Gram.  Hi Dad.  What’s that wonderful smell?

Gena:
Oh, please have a roll.  (Proudly) I made them myself.  I suppose you didn’t know that I knew how to make fresh cinnamon rolls?  I’d be happy to teach you how.

Candy:
Mmmmmm, deeeeeeelicious, Grandma.  You must know all kinds of stuff from the olden days that we don’t know.

Gena:
Yes. That’s true.  And it’s just shame that in this day and age there is no longer any pride in cooking a fine meal and caring for your loved  ones at home.  That’s a real art.

Lee:
And you do a fine job of it too.

(Knock, knock.  Enter, Howard)

Howard:
Coffee time, I hope.

All:
Hello

Howard:
What are these little beauties?  Are they Pillsbury?  Duncan Hines?

Gena:
I should say not!  These are homemade.  Made at home, with loving hands and domestic skills.

Candy:
What are you up to Howard?

Howard:
Glad you asked, my little chickadee.  Ever heard of the DaleCarnegiecourse?

Lee:
Yes, of course.

Candy:
What’s that?

Howard:
It’s a course for successful living, “Got to know ho to win friends and influence people.”

Gena:
Oh, poo!  (Throws hands up.)

Candy:
You, Howard?

Howard:
Don’t laugh.  I know I could practically teach the course myself, but a little brush-up wouldn’t hurt.  Besides, maybe the instructor will back himself into a corner and need my help.

Candy:
Oh, you.  (Leaves)

(Knock, knock.  Enter Kent and Lois)

Kent:
Hi, everyone.  How goes the battle, Mom?  (Hugs her)

Gena:
Well, I’m managing. (Sigh) Have a roll, dear.  Here Lois.  It’ll help you leg feel better...Do you like them?

Both:
Wow.  Good.  Yum.

Kent:
We really can’t stay.  We wanted to come by and make sure that everything is all right.  We’ve got an important conference to attend.

Lee:
Oh, what’s that about?

Kent:
It’s on tax shelters.

Lois:
With our two incomes, and the big tax bite, we hope this conference will save us thousands.  More financial knowledge means more financial power.  It’s always something, isn’t it?  One problem after another.

Kent:
Yup.  Honey, we’d better get going.  (They exit)

Howard:
I guess it’s time for me to make my exit too.  Dale Carnegie, hold on to your hat.  (Leaves)

Trish:
(Entering)  Did I just hear Kent and Lois?  Where are they going?

Gena:
They’re off to some money-making scheme or something.  Is that what I heard?   Seems that’s all they know...money, money, money!

(Everyone looks at Gena puzzled.

Lee:
I don’t think that’s exactly what they said, Gena.  (Shakes head and chuckles.)  Why are you dressed up today, Trish?

Trish:
(Putting on jacket.)  You must have forgotten, Honey.  Today is the day I’m going to the “Know Yourself” seminar.

Lee:
You’re right, I did forget.  What’s that about again?

Lee:
Enjoy your day!

Trish:
I will.  Good-bye.

Gena:
Wait a minute, Patricia.  At least you can have a cinnamon roll before you go running off.

Trish:
Cinnamon rolls mother?  How quaint.  That’s just too heavy for me!  I’ll eat a power bar in the car on the way.  (Exit)

Gena:
Now that’s what I mean, Lee.  In my day, if a woman wanted to know herself, she’d stay home and just look in a mirror.

Lee:
Gena.....

(Enter – a sleepy Eric, just out of bed.)

Eric:
‘Morning, Dad and Grandma.  Where’s everybody else?

Gena:
You wouldn’t believe all the high-falutin meetings and seminaries.....

Lee:
Seminars, Gena.

Gena:
Alright, seminars!  They’re all off to fancy meeting, don’t even have time to eat a decent piece of food.  Here, Eric dear, you have a nice, fresh cinnamon roll.  I baked them myself.

Eric:
You made these?  You’re pulling my leg, aren’t you Grandma?

Gena:
No siree.  This old lady still has some tricks you haven’t seen.

Lee:
(Gets up, gives Gena a hug.)  Well, I’ve got to get my things together and go too.

Lee:
I’m going to the Home Bible Study leaders’ meeting.  That preacher really conned me into something there.  I’m a discussion leader, of all things.  Me!

Eric:
(Yawn) O boy, I’m impressed.

Lee:
The most surprising thing about it is that I really enjoy it.  You wouldn’t believe the good time we have together, studying and learning.  It’s funny how interesting it is to share life and faith with other people.

Eric:
(Stands up with a pretend microphone.)  The foregoing has been paid for by the We Hard the Word Committee.  Dial 1-900-CHURCH.

Lee:
(Chuckles) Oh, you!  Have a little respect.  (Tussles Eric’s hair and exits)

Eric:
I just don’t get it.  Why would anyone study the Bible if they didn’t have to.

Gena:
Does it seem like a waste of time, Eric?

Eric:
Well, sort of, in a way, that is.....(Evasive, not wanting to hurt her feeling, finally being honest.)  Well, it’s like this Grandma.  What does it really have to say for me today?  We guys in school have other things to think about – like sports, and cars, and girls.  Some of the guys brag about their conquests.  I don’t go for that kind of stuff myself, but I’m sure not going to stand up and preach at them and tell them what is says in First Paul 26.

Gena:
All you can tell them is what you know, Eric.  What do you know about God?

Eric:
You want an honest answer Gram?  God tells you what you can’t do.  He’s a spoil sport, in a way.  It doesn’t seem as though he wants us to have any fun.  Besides, how can I be sure that there even is a God?  You can’t prove him.

Gena:
A spoil sport?  Okay.  I see.....But the God I know is love, lots of love, love inside of me even when I know I don’t deserve it.  Love through the good times and bad.  Like when your Grandpa died.

Gena:
And now when everyone thinks I am a feeble old fool.  I know that God is still with me.  I know...I know...

Eric:
I understand that, Grandma.

Gena:
Deep down, you know God too, Eric.  You can prove God is real because you have felt his love there in your heart.

Candy:
(Comes running in.)  Quick, Eric, you’re missing your favorite program, Power Rangers.

Eric:
Thanks, Gram.  It’s been great to talk to you.  (Exit)

Gena:
Aren’t you watching the Power Boys program too.

Candy:
(Chuckles) No, Grandma.  It’s Eric’s favorite, not mine.  Do you know where Mom is?

Gena:
Off on some kind of meeting about how good it is to live now and not when I was young.

Candy:
What?  (Puzzled – thinks a second) Oh, I remember.  Today is the day for her seminar on “Know Yourself.”  Right?

Gena:
Yes, that’s it, alright.  But what a bunch of hooey!  She has a lot better things to do than run off to meetings.

Candy:
Oh?

Gena:
She shouldn’t be off gallivanting every which way like she does.  In my day, it wasn’t like that – a woman stayed home and did her work.

Candy:
Grandma, why don’t you two like each other?

Gena:
(Surprised) Not like each other?  Is that what it looks like?

Candy:
Yes, sort of.

Gena:
I love her, of course, but she doesn’t seem to have time for me anymore.  When she was a little girl, we used to do everything together.  As she grew, she didn’t want my advice or help anymore.  Now she doesn’t need me at all.

Candy:
Oh, Grandma!  I know Mom love you too.

Gena:
(Absently) I’m just in her way and when I try to help her with things, she seems to resent it.  I don’t know why.

Candy:
You’ve probably both just changed a lot.

Gena:
I suppose.  (Sigh) I didn’t think it would be like this. I thought we would always be close.

Candy:
So you don’t really know each other anymore, do you?  I hope that when Mom is through “Knowing Herself,” she’ll get to know you.  Come on, let’s go see if Eric enjoyed his Power Ranger show.  (The two exit, Gena shuffling slowly along.)

Narrator:
Now, it is late in the afternoon. Lee, Lois, Kent, Trish and Howard are returning from their meetings.

(Enter Lee)

Lee:
(Singing to self) Hi everybody.  Anybody home?

Gena:
(From kitchen) I’m in the kitchen, cleaning up my mess.  (Comes out)

Lee:
Grandma, I’ve been thinking about that conversation we had this morning...

Gena:
What about it?

Lee:
Well, I was talking to my friends at Bible study, many of our parents are the same age.  We compared notes:  and it’s tough getting old.....things are changing for you.  I realized I haven’t been sensitive enough to your feelings.....to your situation.

Lee:
You’re older, Grandma, but not useless and you’re nobody’s fool either.  You bring new energy and wisdom to this home.

Gena:
Hmmmmmmft.   (Gena shuffles back to the kitchen)

(Enter Lois, Kent and Howard; also Trish behind and in another door.)

Kent:
Oh, that lecture was fantastic, Howard. You just can’t imagine who valuable it was.

Lois:
He was absolutely sparkling!  A three-piece suit, witty, very smooth.  We learned so much.

Kent:
If we follow his advice, we can save a mint on our taxes.

Lois:
Oh, boy.  Mediterranean cruise, here we come.

Howard:
And I bet Grandma Gena would love to go along with you.

Kent:
(Dryly) Ha, ha!  Funny!  How was your buddy, Dale Carnegie?  Learn anything new?

Howard:
(spots Gena) Hey watch this.  (Approaches Gena) Oh, Gena, what a marvelous person you are.  Why those rolls you made this morning are a work of art.  (Grabs her hand)  Look at these graceful, creative hands.....the shape, the strength, and the lovely nails.....

Gena:
(Jerks hand away) Cut the crap, Howard, or I’ll nail you one.

Howard:
Why, Madam, your wit and charm is astounding.  (Bows)

Gena:
What’s astounding is how you bright people can spend so much time looking for wisdom and knowledge, when anyone with half a mind would know there is only one thing that is really worth knowing.

All Three:
Yesssss?????

Gena:
Knowing God...knowing love...knowing those we love...(hurt feelings).  You, Howard...so positive...may I say, so puffed up with phony praise.  But I know what you say behind my back.  Puffed up praise is no substitute for loving.....

Howard:
Come on, Gena.

Gena:
And Kent?  You seem to want to know more about your money than your mother.

Kent and Lois:
Moooom.....

Gena:
And Trish, you run off and spent the day going to some seminar about knowing yourself, but I’ve been here for weeks.....you don’t sem to want to me.....or care about me.

Trish:
Mom.

Gena:
I’m just old and useless, a feeble old fool.....who tells the truth.  (Muttering to self)  Humph.  God will help me through this. I gotta finish the cinnamon rolls. (Shuffles back to the kitchen.)

Kent and Lois:
Now, I think we had better go.  Yeh, time to go.  (Visibly upset, begin to exit)

Howard:
It’s time for me to go to.....(Kent, Lois and Howard all exit)

Trish:
Lee what are we going to do?  (Moves to center stage to hug Lee)

Lee:
Patience dear.  Patience.  Your Mom?  She just needs to know we love her.  Then the rest will all work out.  (Walk out to family room arm in arm)

Narrator:
As you know, it is my role to try to make some sense out of what we see happening in Mr. Dodger’s Neighborhood.  Not always easy, is it?

Tonight, our theme was knowledge and we watched our friends pursuing and, in some cases, finding it.  Several wanted knowledge about things that would help them in this world: self-understanding, greater wealth or increased popularity and influence.  Howard, of course, may have missed some of the finer points of his course.

On the other hand, Eric, if he truly let himself listen, may have discovered that his concept of God was much too small.  But certainly, he, Candy, and those of us who listened in, learned a great deal about Grandma Gena.  Although she may be a woman of sharp of sharp tongue and shrill voice, she is also a person of iron faith, built on a strong personal knowledge of God. But we also found out that inside her rough exterior, she hurst, hopes, and feels and that is very human.   She is struggling with growing older and feeling worthless and useless.  I’m glad that we have come to know her better.

I think we all understand the value of knowledge in helping us rewards people who have knowledge by giving them better pay, greater prestige, and more power.  So we tell our children, and sometimes even ourselves, to study hard and learn well in order to be the best they can be.

Even more so would God, our Creator, want us to be the very best that we can be and He clearly wants us to know Him on a personal level.  He is not a distant, unapproachable God like Eric still thinks.  He is a God who so loved us that He sent His Son to earth to live, teach, suffer and die for us that we may truly know God and His love for us.  Knowing God depends not on wealth, status, age or brilliance, but on attitude – on how we set our mind.  We need to want to know Him and in wanting to know Him, we will open ourselves to Him and be alert to His signs and His will about us and in us.

Next week, when we return, we are going to deal with the matter of behavior and self-control.  From what we have seen, that is a ripe field for the Dodgers and their friends.  BUT – that is another story for another day.

Biblical Bases for “Knowledge”
Psalm 46:10, 100:3, 139:23
John 6:68-69, 8:31-32, 10:3-5, 14-15, 17:3

Back to Dramas

Narrator:
This evening, for an introduction to our script on self-control, I have brought along something I want to show you.  Could I have my friend___________ come up here and help me show it to you.  First of all, ___________have you ever ridden a horse?  I have tried, myself, but I don’t do it very well.  Every time the horse comes up, it meets me coming down and I get very sore!

Horses are beautiful animals, aren’t they?  They run so fast and are so full of spirit, but they need a good rider to control them.  (Brings out bridle.  Have __________help hold it.)

Do you know what this is?  It’s called a bridle.  It’s one way in which a rider can control horse.  It fits over the head of the horse and this bar here, called a bit, goes into the horse’s mouth.  The reins are attached to this bit and bridle and a good rider can pull on the reins just right so that the horse feels the pressure in his mouth and will turn in the direction the rider wants him to go.

Animals haven’t been given the gift to be able to control themselves, have they, ___________?  So if we want to tame them and use them, we must control them.  But what do we as human beings do for control?  Who or what controls us?  Perhaps we can learn something about self-control tonight in our visit to Mr. Dodger’s Neighborhood, for the Dodgers and their friends are sometimes mirrors of ourselves.

(The scene is the living room.  Gena is knitting.  Lee and Eric are sitting on the sofa and chairs watching TV.  Trish is standing behind, opening a box of chocolates, poking and prodding and eating them.  Candy is off to the side on the telephone.)

Gena:
(Eyes bugging out and making faces at the disgusting things she sees on the TV.)  I can’t believe my eyes!  (Mouth pops open.) That looks like underwear!  This is terrible!

Lee:
Candy, how long have you been on that phone?

Candy:
Dad, Shawn just called.  We just started talking.

Lee:
Just started talking?  I have been timing you and you started over 45 minutes ago.

Lee:
No!  You’ve talked long enough.  Tell Shawn you’ll see him in the morning in school.  Continue your talk there.

Candy:
Please, Dad?

Lee:
Candy!  I don’t want to have to tell you again!  Get off the phone.

Candy:
OKAY!  I have to go, Shawn.  See you tomorrow.  (Ha