Steve: Well, if you bought school lunch and didn’t bring a sack lunch, you might actually CHOOSE something you would like.

Johnny: No way, my mom would never go for it, she says it is too much money, plus you have to wait in line forever.

Marsha: No joke. Plus, when you get your lunch in line, then there is no place to sit after you get it...at least not with someone you KNOW.

Debbie: Speaking of CHURCH, what did you guys think about the music in worship on Sunday?

Johnny: (Laughingly with a puzzled look) Were we speaking of CHURCH?

Zack: I thought it was ok. My dad really likes that “Give Thanks” song. You know... “Give thanks with a grateful heart.” (Singing the song)

Debbie: Uh oh, that reminds me.

All: WHAT?

Johnny: What are you crazy? Here in school? What if someone sees us? (Looking around in paranoia)

Zack: And, if we don’t, we may end up with that food disease, Sour Vanilla.

Steve: You mean SALMONELLA. (PAUSE) (All laughing)

Debbie: Bow your heads.

(Everyone bows their head except for Johnny who is looking around with his head up and seeing who might be watching.)

Debbie: Dear God, thank you for all of this food and I thank you for my friends here with me. Give us the energy we need to finish this day. In Jesus’ name we pray...Amen.

(As they say Amen, Johnny pretends he just finished praying like the others.)

Steve: I guess with the Thanksgiving holiday, everything at church was about thanks. Not much today to be thankful for.

Zack: Yes there is! What are you talking about? That verse we read said “In everything give thanks.”

Debbie: In Thessalonians.

Marsha: (Sarcastically) So, since I made a C on my test today, then I should give thanks.

Zack: Well, be thankful it wasn’t a D. I know you did better last test. Be thankful that the average of the two tests will be better than a C!

Johnny: (Sarcasm) And so I should be thankful that I just ate a world record 40 roast beef sandwiches in 41 days of school.

(Group laughs and one or two point at Zack)

Zack: Funny!

Debbie: Seriously, the things we complain about are so small. We all have homes, meals... (Looking at Johnny)

Johnny: (Interrupting) Some meals better than others.

Steve: And we all have friends.

Marsha: I guess I get depressed sometimes when I shouldn’t. I know I do. Why do I worry about if people like me when I know God loves me? There is nothing better than God’s love.

Steve: And nothing worse than Mrs. Johnson’s history tests! And she has been here since my parents were students!

Zack: No kidding. I think she interviewed some civil war soldiers...PERSONALLY! (Zack and Steve high five)

Debbie: Guys be nice. She IS a good teacher. She just has BAD students.

(Zack and Steve look around like she is talking to someone else)

Steve: I think we need to do what Darien said we should do last night in Bible Study.

Zack: Pick up the trash off the floor?

Steve: Nooo. For a whole day, only be thankful and don’t say one negative word about anybody or anything.

Marsha: As in 24 Hours?

Steve: Yes, 24 hours.

Debbie: I can do that. All in favor raise your hand. (All hands raise)

Zack: OK! Ready...Set...GO!

(Steve and Johnny whisper for a moment)

Steve: (With a grin) Hey Debbie, did I see Amber with your old boyfriend this morning?

Debbie: (Angrily) YES, and that makes me soooo.... (Changing her tone) THANKFUL that I am single again.

(Class Bell Rings)

Marsha: This is going to be ONE INTERESTING DAY!

Johnny: And I AM THANKFUL.

(Everyone gets up to leave as some begin to sing “Give Thanks”)

Reader: “I will thank You, Lord , in front of all people. I will sing Your praises among the nations. Psalm 57:9