Sorrowed Surprises

How often do we let life’s disappointments steal our joy — while barely noticing the beauty and wonder around us? Sorrowed Surprises is a clever and lighthearted skit that flips this common human tendency on its head. As one outsider (Becky) watches a tightly knit group of friends panic over a wilting flower, the audience is invited to reflect: Why are we so quick to be shocked by sorrow, but slow to be surprised by joy? A meaningful skit about gratitude, inclusion, perspective, and celebrating life’s simple gifts — perfect for any age group or congregation.

Run-Time:  Approximately 5–6 minutes

Cast:  8 actors (7 in a group, 1 individual — Becky)
All roles can be played by any gender or age.

Biblical Reference:  Philippians 4:8 — “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”

Sample Script

(Scene opens. Seven actors are shoulder-to-shoulder in a semi-circle at stage left. Becky stands alone at stage right.)

Tom:
Thank you all for coming here at such short notice. We have a very serious, very grave situation to deal with.

(Becky tries to overhear what is going on.)

Dina:
What could be so serious, Tom?

Robert:
After all, we are very busy people!

Stacey:
It had better be incredibly grave, Tom. Otherwise I have other things to deal with!

Tom:
Oh, believe me, everyone — this matter is not for the faint of heart!

Bill:
Just come out and say it!

Tom:
Okay, I guess there’s no easy way to bring this up. You see . . . I mean that is . . .

Lucy (interrupting Tom, pointing to the ground):
I think what Tom is trying to say is, that the flower in the ground over there will . . . (slowly) eventually . . . wilt!

(Everyone gasps in disbelief.)

Paula (shocked):
But I thought you said that would never happen!

Dina:
You could have prepared us a little for this, Tom!

Bill (grasping his chest, clutching the arm of the person next to him):
My heart, my heart!

Stacey:
Thanks a lot! You just had to surprise us with this, didn’t you?

Robert:
I didn’t even see this coming! How could I not have seen this coming?

Tom:
Calm down everyone, calm down. Yes, this is a very serious situation, but I gathered everyone here so we could decide what to do.

(Becky watches from stage right, shaking her head in disbelief.)

Lucy:
Tom is right, everyone! There is no point in just telling you something this tragic and not discussing it. We have to determine our course of action.

(Becky approaches the group and tries to speak, but is ignored each time.)

Becky:
Excuse me, but I couldn’t help overhearing. If you want my opinion on it . . .

Dina:
Any ideas? Does anyone have any idea of what we should do?

Bill:
I think we should just sit here and watch the flower slowly wilt.

Tom:
Good, good! The ideas are flowing! Anyone else?

Paula:
I just had an awful thought!

Robert:
What, Paula? What could be worse than this?

Paula:
What about when the flower’s petals start turning brown on the edges?

(The group gasps. Staggered responses like “Oh no!” “What will we do?” “Brown edges — what next?”)

Becky:
Excuse me, but aren’t you missing something?

(Becky is again ignored.)

Lucy:
Wait a minute! I think we’re missing something!

Becky (smiles):
There you go!

Lucy:
We haven’t even discussed what will happen when the leaves begin to curl!

(More gasps, staggered responses: “Curling leaves!” “How much more news can we take?” “This is a tragedy!”)

Becky:
No, no! You people are missing the whole point of the flower! Look how beautiful it is — its color, its scent! What a creation! Why are you so surprised that it will wilt?

Tom:
Okay, people. So far we have decided that this flower will wilt, turn brown, and have curling leaves. This is wonderful!

All:
What??!!

Tom:
Well, the fact that we can all come together and discuss this tragedy in our lives is wonderful! I think we’re really making a connection here!

Dina:
Why are you being so happy all of a sudden? We are in the midst of chaos — total upheaval — and all you can think of is how nice it is that we are together!

Paula (to the person beside her):
Did he just say what I think he said?

Stacey:
I can’t believe he is so pleased at a time like this! Imagine!

Bill:
Maybe you would be pleased as punch if my heart gave out right here, right now! Would that make you happier, Tom?

Robert:
Okay, everyone! I think we are all a little surprised at Tom’s sudden joy, but that’s no reason to get off topic. Back to the turmoil of this flower.

Becky:
You guys! You really shouldn’t be surprised that this flower will wilt! You should focus on all the good things this flower means — it represents life!

Lucy:
You know, I just had a thought. Should we be looking at the good things about this flower?

Becky:
Yes! Yes!

Dina:
Good things? What do you mean?

Lucy:
Well, look at all the incredible colors on the petals! If you look real close, I bet you would be able to see a million different colors all blended together!

(Group gasps in amazement.)

Robert:
A million?

Paula:
Do you think so?

Stacey:
I can’t believe it!

Bill (grasping his chest again):
My heart, my heart!

Tom:
I have to get a better look at this!

(Group huddles closer, backs to audience. Becky steps back to stage right, faces audience.)

Becky:
I was just thinking — if we showed half as much surprise, or even shock, to the joyful things in life that we now show to the disappointing things — imagine the difference in our attitudes!
(Pause.)
Do we show our amazement in joy — simple joy — or in disappointments?

(Becky bows her head briefly, then exits stage left with the others.)

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