"The Old Treasure Chest"
          Copyright 2004 Charlotte L Pound 

Synopsis: The Bible is full and running over with GOOD THINGS for our every need, yet how often is it overlooked and ignored?    

At Rise: Tape of wind blowing outside, wolves howling, and crying baby, Mother rocking baby, children sitting on floor, acting cold, Dad staring off into space.

MOTHER:   Hush now baby, please don't cry,  I know you're hungry and cold, shhh.. Thomas isn't there anything you can do, the kid's are freezing in this old drafty house?

GIRL:    Daddy, I'm so cold, can't you make a fire?

DAD:  No, I can't make a fire, do you see anything to make a fire out of? (looks at son) Couldn't you find some wood around here?

BOY: The wolves Dad, they're always at the door. We have no weapons to use against them, and we were afraid to go out to look for any wood.

DAD: I wish you people would just get off my back. I know this old house is cold and drafty, I wish I could give you something better, but I've lost my job, and there is no money and I really don't know what we're going to do.   (Baby cries fade out)

BOY:   Dad, I've looked everywhere but we've run out of water too. What are we going to do without water?

GIRL: We haven't had food for a long time, but you die without water,.. don't you, Daddy?"(hears wolves howling) Daddy, the wolves,they're getting closer. (starts crying)

DAD:  You know this is getting harder and harder to take. Each day is as dreary as the last, I'm about at my wits end. Life isn't worth living like this. It just seems that life is so unfair, why can't we get ahead in life?

MOTHER:  We must think of something. It's bad enough for us, but it is so hard to watch the children suffering . And now, with no wood for a warm fire, no food, no water, what will become of us? Can't we at least light a candle? I am so tired of living in the dark.

DAD:  Sometimes, I feel like I'm going to lose my mind. Do you think I like coming home and seeing all your faces, hear the baby crying? I don't know what can shut out the pain I feel. What else can help?

MOTHER: (tearfully) This is a miserable way to live, there's just got to be a better way for us. Somewhere, somehow.

DAD: (sarcastically) Well when you find it, be sure and tell me. I've pretty much lost all hope.  (continues to stare off into space)

BOY:  Ma, when I was looking for wood, I came across that old chest in the cellar.  Maybe it has some clothes in there to keep us warm.

DAD: (remembering)  Oh that old chest,.. it's useless. It belonged to my Grandmother, who passed it down to my parents. They didn't seem to want it, so I've never even seen what it contains, but I doubt it's got anything of value in it.

MOTHER:  Yes, I remember that chest. It was so old, and worn looking.  I didn't know what to do with it, we put it down in the cellar, so it would not be in the way.

GIRL:  Wouldn't it be great if it had some warm blankets or something?

MOTHER:  Yes it would. Thomas, why don't you go get it, we don't have anything else to hope for, it's worth a look.

DAD:   Okay, but don't get your hopes up. I'm sure if it contained anything good, my parents would have told me. Come on son, lets go get it.

They leave and come back bring the chest. Set it down on table. All gather around, expectantly. Dust off the Chest, pry it open 
All gasp! The chest is filled with all manner of wealth and riches, and gifts, etc.   Start taking them out one by one.

                                        End of Preview