Thanks For Nothing

In this lighthearted comedy based on 1 Thessalonians 5:18, three friends discover a surprising truth—sometimes the best reason to be thankful is when nothing’s wrong. Mel insists there’s “nothing” in life to be grateful for… until Terry and Drew help him realize that a life free of crisis is a blessing in itself.

With quick wit, relatable banter, and a fresh perspective on gratitude, Thanks For Nothing is perfect for Thanksgiving services, small groups, or any time your church needs a joyful reminder that “nothing” can actually mean everything.

Being thankful when there seems to be nothing wrong in our life.
In this comedy, three people discuss how we all have reason to be thankful when everything is going right.

Cast:  3, male or female, likely middle age
Run-Time:   5
Set: blank set
Lighting, Sound, Costumes: standard
Props:  none
Bible Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Sample Script:

[Mel enters, very distracted and sad. After a few seconds, Terry and Drew enter, chatting.]

Terry: So, Drew, any plans for Thanksgiving?

Drew: Just the usual, Terry—have some friends and family in, eat too much turkey, and yell at the TV when the Bears (use football team of your choice) lose.

Terry: You figure the Bears are gonna lose?

Drew: Does Thanksgiving happen on Thursday in these United States?

Terry: Well, regardless, it will be nice to spend the day with family and friends.

Drew: You are for sure right on that, Terry… love the Thanksgiving celebration.

[They see Mel and cross to him.]

Drew: Hey, Mel, how’s things?

[Mel doesn’t look up, just grunts a reply.]

Terry: What are you up to today, Mel?

[Same reaction from Mel.]

Drew: Terry and me were just talking about what we’re gonna do for Thanksgiving.

Mel (doesn’t look up): Oh.

Terry: What about you, Mel? Big plans for Thanksgiving?

Mel (annoyed): Any reason I should have any plans—big or little?

Terry: Well, most folks do something on Thanksgiving—maybe have folks in or, like Drew here, watch the Bears lose another football game.

Mel: Good for them.

Drew (chuckling): You keep this up, Mel, and I’m gonna start thinking something’s wrong.

Mel: No, there is nothing wrong! Can’t figure out why everyone has to be so over the moon about this whole Thanksgiving Day thing!

Terry: Well, why wouldn’t we be thankful? God has been good to us. My wife Sue is back from the hospital, starting to feel real good.

Drew: And I found a great job.

Mel: And so both of you should be thankful.

Drew: Nothing in your life you are thankful for, Mel?

Mel: Not one thing.

Drew: Wow! That’s kinda strange.

Mel: Call it whatever you want, it is still a fact!

Terry: How do you figure you have nothing to be thankful for, Mel?

Mel: Look, in church last Sunday, Pastor was talking about all of the reasons for being thankful—Marie Westgard for being cancer free… Tom and Kim Black for their son coming back home from Afghanistan… Tina Wilson for her mother finding a new apartment she could afford.

Drew: OK, but I don’t understand. Don’t you think those people should be thankful?

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