Scene 1 – A man is reading a bedtime story to his daughter

Elijah sat on the edge of Rosie’s bed and finished the story he was reading to his young daughter.

ELIJAH:
..and so the fairy princess married her handsome prince and they lived happily ever after.

ROSIE:
I do love you daddy (She puts her arms around him)

ELIJAH:
I love you too, princess. Now, get down under the bed covers and go to sleep. Elijah kisses his daughter on the forehead, closes the bedroom door behind him and goes downstairs.

Back in his study, he sits at his desk to finish the book he has been writing. This would be his second published book.

As he sets about his work he remembers when things were different. He remembers himself as a young boy sitting in the classroom, gazing out of the window trying to ignore the taunts from the other boys in the class - and the name-calling.
Not too much went right for Elijah in those days. He was very much a ‘loner’ - never ‘one of the lads’ and he always had trouble making friends. Not much went right for him - until a young girl moved in the house next door.

Victoria was one of those naturally bright kids and was moved into the top class as soon as she joined the school. Poor old Elijah reflected on the fact that his was not the smartest in his year – in the ‘dunces’ class. But he smiled as he remembered meeting Victoria for the first time and walking home with her.

Scene 2 – Back in his schooldays

ELIJAH:
Hello, I’m Elijah. I live next door.

VICTORIA:
Yes, I know.

ELIJAH:
How do you like your class?

VICTORIA:
It’s OK I suppose. What about you - do you like your class?

ELIJAH:
Not really. I’m in the …(he pauses) Oh, it doesn’t matter.
Well, here we are then.

VICTORIA:
Yes. Well, see you then.

Elijah goes straight upstairs to his room thinking “what a lovely girl that Victoria is.” He looks in the mirror and sees his reflection. “I will never stand a chance with her, there are so many guys in the school who will have a better chance then me.”

The following day on the way home from school Victoria catches up with Elijah

VICTORIA:
I was wondering if you would like to come along to the club at the church this evening?

ELIJAH:
No, I don’t think so. But thanks all the same for asking me.

Victoria sees her friends and runs to join them

VICTORIA:
Well, see ya!

Scene 3 – Miss Spragg's Classroom

Elijah liked his Teacher - Miss Spraggs, a kindly spinster with short grey hair. Some of the boys in the class would taunt her by calling her ‘religious’ or calling out “Here comes the Nun.”

DYLAN (the class bully):
Elijah, what do you think of Miss Spraggs?

Elijah didn’t want to answer, but mumbled:

ELIJAH:
She’s alright I suppose

DYLAN:
Are you religious too, he sneered?

MISS SPRAGGS:
Well, class we are going to learn about the broken hearted today and how Jesus heals them.

Elijah began to gaze out of the window. He thought about Victoria and how he felt about her. But most of all he thought about the dream he had of becoming a writer. But he didn’t know how he would overcome the problems he was experiencing at school with reading, writing and spelling.

MISS SPRAGGS:
Elijah Irving -what have I been talking about?

ELIJAH:
I’m sorry miss, but I didn’t hear any of it.

MISS SPRAGGS:
I’m not surprised. You were gazing out of the window. Your mind was obviously on something else.

DYLAN:
You must be deaf as well as daft then! Who’s a naughty boy then?

The whole class begins to laugh.

MISS SPRAGGS:
Dylan Biggins, that’s quite enough of that!
Elijah, would you stay behind after class? I need to talk to you.

Dylan:
You’re really in for it now (Dylan smiles with the satisfaction of seeing someone else in trouble for a change)

MISS SPRAGGS:
Class dismissed!

MISS SPRAGGS:
Now Elijah, your work is not up to standard at the moment and I believe it is because of your daydreaming. Is something wrong? Have you problems – perhaps at home?

ELIJAH:
No Miss

MISS SPRAGGS:
Well, Elijah there seems to be something causing you to daydream.

ELIJAH:
Yes there is. You see I have a dream. But I am worried that I will never fulfill it.

MISS SPRAGGS:
What is your dream, Elijah?

ELIJAH:
I dream of becoming a writer. But you know my limitations. I have so much trouble with reading, writing and spelling.

MISS SPRAGGS:
OK, you may have some limitations. But you can still achieve great things. God in heaven knows your thoughts and your dreams. And you know, it’s good to have a dream - and to strive to reach it!

ELIJAH:
Really Miss? Thanks for your encouragement.

MISS SPRAGGS:
Well, you had best be getting home. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Elijah says goodbye and heads for home. As he steps outside of the classroom Victoria sees him. She knows he is in the lowest class.

VICTORIA:
Are you going straight home?

ELIJAH:
Yes.

VICTORIA:
Me too. Let’s walk along together.
Look Elijah, I know you are having a hard time at school at the moment. Is there anything I can do to help? Maybe I could help you with your homework?

ELIJAH:
It’s OK Victoria. I can manage.

VICTORIA:
Well, see ya, then.

ELIJAH:
OK. See you

HIS MUM:
Had a good day at school today?

Elijah heads straight upstairs

HIS MUM:
Are you going to have dinner with us tonight?

ELIJAH:
No thanks mum.

Elijah goes into his bedroom and sits down with his notepad. As he begins to write his feelings pour out and he finds he has written down his three most longed-for dreams.
The first is the dream of becoming a writer.
The second - that he could change how he looked.
And the third - that he could marry a girl just like Victoria.
He began to think long and hard about what Miss Spraggs had said. Then he thought about Victoria - how she was so clever - the creme de la crème of her class. He thought about how she had offered her help – and he grabbed his homework, hurried downstairs and ran out of the house and knocked on her front door.

Scene 4 – Victoria's House

Victoria comes to the door.

VICTORIA:
Hello Elijah

ELIJAH:
I was thinking about what you said earlier. I would like you to help me with my homework - if the offer is still there?

VICTORIA:
Of course, come in. I see you’ve brought your books with you.

So Victoria began to help him with his writing. She gave him handwriting lessons, spelling tests and helped him with reading as well. Everyday after school Elijah went to Victoria’s house and everyday Miss Spraggs began to notice a change in Elijah’s work. She also noticed that he was much more attentive in class.

Scene 5 – Back in School

MISS SPRAGGS:
Did you know that God can turn our weaknesses into our opportunities? He can change lives and turn them around for his own Glory.

After Class

MISS SPRAGGS:
Elijah, do you think you could stay behind for a moment?

ELIJAH:
Yes, Miss Spraggs.

MISS SPRAGGS:
Your work has improved a lot these past few months. I believe that your dream is just around the corner. Maybe Victoria taking time to help you after School has played a part?.

ELIJAH:
How did you know that?

MISS SPRAGGS:
Well, she told me. She goes to the same church I go to every Sunday. She told me that she was helping you with your homework. She’s a lovely girl. Quite pretty and bright too.

ELIJAH:
Yes, she is

MISS SPRAGGS:
Well, Elijah, if you continue on in the way you are going then your dreams will all come true!

Scene 6 – Near Elijah's College

The summer holidays were approaching. School days were over and thanks to Victoria’s help he had passed his exams. Now Elijah was thinking about college.

He planned to ask Victoria if she would spend some of the holiday with him – at least until college started. But Victoria had made her own plans. She had begun to date Andrew Winters and was planning to spend time with him. Andrew Winters went to the same church club and church on Sundays.

Elijah began to look for a Saturday job and found an advert in a bicycle shop window. He went in to the shop and came out with the job.

For a while Elijah didn’t see much of Victoria. Because he was working they didn’t seem to bump into each other much.

Soon, the holidays were over and Elijah was at college. One bright sunny morning as he was going to the college he met Victoria.

VICTORIA:
Hello Elijah, have you heard the news Andrew and I are going to get engaged.

ELIJAH:
Engaged

VICTORIA:
Yes I thought you’d like to be the first to know, I must go Andrew will be waiting for me at the bus stop.

Elijah couldn’t believe that Victoria was going to get engaged she hadn’t been going out with Andrew all that long. Still it wasn’t for him to make comment. After all - it's her life he thought.

TEACHER AT COLLEGE:
Elijah, can I have a word with you after class?

ELIJAH:
Sure.

TEACHER:
So you want to be a writer?

ELIJAH:
Yes. It’s what I have always wanted to be.

TEACHER:
Well I feel that, maybe you ought to consider becoming an English Teacher. Why don’t you apply for Teacher Training College?

ELIJAH:
A teacher? But I want to be a writer.

TEACHER:
Fine, but you can’t run before you can walk. Son, I think you would really benefit from teaching. Why not give it some thought?

So Elijah gave it some thought. And eventually he decided to give it a try. He enrolled into Teacher Training College and found an apartment close by and moved in.

Scene 7 – Teacher Training College

He had not been moved in long when, with tap on his door and an invitation for a cup of coffee, he had made his first friend.

Olivia and Elijah got on well and soon discovered that they shared the same dream. Olivia also hoped to be a writer. They had so much in common that it wasn’t many weeks before they began dating. Elijah wrote home to his parents with the news that he and Olivia were getting engaged.
And when his parents wrote back they said how happy they were to hear his news, how much they were looking forward to meeting Olivia and that his friend Victoria did not get engaged after all. It seems that she had instead taken a high-flying job in the stock market. The crème de la crème his dad called her.

Some time later Elijah took a phone call that was to change the course of his life.

ELIJAH:
I’ve got to go home. Dad has been taken ill. I won’t be away long. I’ll come back as soon as I can.

Olivia kisses him as he leaves for home.

Scene 8 – His mum's house

When Elijah arrives home his mum answers the door wearing a worried look.

ELIJAH:
Hello Mum. How is Dad?

HIS MUM:
He’s not well Son. The Doctor says he has not got very long.

ELIJAH:
Try not to worry Mum. Is there anything I can do to help?

HIS MUM:
You could take these library books back for me. They are overdue and I’ve not been able to get out of the house.

ELIJAH:
No problem - I’ll take them back.

Scene 9 – The Library

At the library Elijah hands the books to the librarian. And at that point he recognises who the young woman. It was Victoria.

ELIJAH:
Victoria, what are you doing here? I thought you were working in London.

VICTORIA:
I’m sorry. Do I know you?

ELIJAH:
It’s me, Elijah. I lived next to you when we were at school. You remember, you used to help me with my homework.

VICTORIA:
Oh yes. I remember. How are you?

ELIJAH:
I’m fine. What happened to the job in the City?

VICTORIA:
Well, I missed home and it was a lonely life there. Andrew and I grew apart so I came home.

ELIJAH:
My mum wrote and told me you didn’t get engaged.

VICTORIA:
So what brings you here?

ELIJAH:
My Dad’s not well. The Doctors are saying he hasn’t got long.

VICTORIA:
I’m so sorry to hear that. Elijah, what about dinner tomorrow night? We can catch up each others news.

ELIJAH:
OK. About eight?

VICTORIA:
Here’s my address.

She hands him her address on a card.

ELIJAH:
See you tomorrow night then.

Scene 10 – Victoria's Apartment & The Library

Elijah and Victoria talk about their schooldays.

ELIJAH:
I must tell you Victoria. I have a girlfriend and we are planning to get engaged.

VICTORIA:
Who is the lucky girl, then?

ELIJAH:
Her name is Olivia. You know, she is the best thing that has happened to me. She is not too much different to you Victoria.

VICTORIA:
Oh? in what way?

ELIJAH:
Well, she is gentle, loving and kind. And we share so many things in common.

VICTORIA:
Do you love her?

ELIJAH:
Very much. Well thanks for the dinner. I’d best be getting back to my mum. She’s finding it hard with Dad being so ill.

Victoria gets up to show Elijah to the door.

ELIJAH:
No need to get up. I can see myself out.

VICTORIA:
OK then.

Elijah closes the door after him. And Victoria sits there thinking how much Elijah had changed. He had become so handsome - not the shy, plain boy she used to know. But now there seemed to be a barrier between them. And that would be difficult to deal with!

Elijah began to visit the library whenever he passed by… just to say hello. And Victoria was always pleased to see him.

One day when he visited Victoria handed a little booklet to him.

ELIJAH:
I was just passing. I thought I’d drop in and say hello.

VICTORIA:
Here. I thought you might like to read this booklet. It’s called: ‘Journey into Life.’ It’s not a very big booklet. But it’s full of truth. Are you still seeking to fulfill your dream?

ELIJAH:
Oh, yes. I have written several stories and poems. I was hoping to send them to a publisher by the end of the month. Olivia has read them and thinks that the time is right.

VICTORIA:
So do I. I think you should do it.

ELIJAH:
Thanks for the booklet. I’ll let you have it back when I’ve read it.

VICTORIA:
No need. You keep it.

Scene 11 – His mum's house

HIS MUM:
Your Dad is in a real bad way, Elijah. I really don’t think he will last another day.

ELIJAH:
Well, I’m here if you need me mum. I’m just going upstairs for a while. Call me if you need me.

HIS MUM:
OK, son.

Elijah goes to his room and shuts the door behind him. Sitting on the edge of the bed he begins to read the booklet which Victoria gave him. At first, he couldn’t quite understand it but as he read it – it all started to make sense.

Man’s sin separates him from God. God sent His Son to make a way back!
By the time he had reached the last page, it was clear. He realised that he was a sinner and he realised he needed a Saviour. He needed Jesus in his life.
He read the prayer at the back and committed his life to Jesus inviting Him into his heart and life.

His mum called up the stairs:

HIS MUM:
Elijah! Come quick. Your Dad has taken a turn for the worse.

Elijah rushes down the stairs picks up the phone and calls Dr Miller and an Ambulance. But by the time the ambulance had arrived Elijah’s Dad has died.

As funeral arrangements were made Elijah makes a call to Olivia to tell her what has happened.

ELIJAH:
I’m going to stay on for a while. At least until my mum is over the shock.

OLIVIA:
OK darling. I miss you.

ELIJAH:
I miss you too.

The weeks went by and his mum realised that it was time to get on with her life. She told Elijah that she was OK and so he packs his case to head for home – and Olivia.

HIS MUM:
I look forward to meeting Olivia the next time you visit.

Elijah kisses his mum and says goodbye. As he walks down to the station he passes the library, stops – and goes in.

Scene 12 – The Library

VICTORIA:
Hello Elijah.

ELIJAH:
I thought I’d just drop in to say goodbye. I’m heading home today.

VICTORIA:
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. My dad told me. How is your mum taking it?

ELIJAH:
She’s much better now. In fact it was her idea I should go home.

VICTORIA:
I expect Olivia will be pleased that you are going home?

ELIJAH:
Well she doesn’t know yet. I read that booklet you gave me ‘Journey into Life.’

VICTORIA:
Oh yes?

ELIJAH:
It talked about the separation between God and sinful man. Well, I’ve closed that separation. I invited Jesus into my life!

VICTORIA:
Well that’s great news!

She leans forward and kisses him on the cheek.

Elijah looks at her and suddenly, he remembers. He remembers the dream he had which he thought would never be possible. Look Victoria I’ve got to make a phone call. I’ll be back in a minute.

VICTORIA:
OK

Elijah steps outside and makes a call to Olivia on his mobile phone.

ELIJAH:
Olivia is that you?

OLIVIA:
Elijah - what a surprise!

ELIJAH:
Look Olivia. Something has come up. I have to stay on.

OLIVIA:
When can I expect to see you?

ELIJAH:
Look Olivia. I won’t be coming back. I’m going to stay on here and get a job.

OLIVIA:
You mean it’s over between us?

ELIJAH:
I’m sorry Olivia. But I guess you knew this was coming.

OLIVIA:
I guess I did. I wish you both well, Elijah. Goodbye.

Back in the Library Elijah approaches Victoria at her desk.

ELIJAH:
Victoria, have you got a moment to spare?

VICTORIA:
Well, I’m kind of busy at the moment.

ELIJAH:
It won’t take long. I just need to talk to you.

VICTORIA:
Wait a minute. I’ll see if Beryl can take over.

Victoria walks over and speaks to Beryl. She returns a minute later.

VICTORIA:
OK. Beryl will watch my desk for five minutes. Let’s go outside.

ELIJAH:
I’ve just made a phone call to Olivia. Our engagement is off.

VICTORIA:
Oh, why?

ELIJAH:
Because Victoria. I have fallen in love - with you!

VICTORIA:
Oh, Elijah. I love you too.

Just a month later Elijah and Victoria were married. A year later Rosie, their first daughter, was born and a short while after that Elijah’s first book was published.

And now Elijah is halfway through his second book.

VICTORIA:
Are you coming up now darling?

Elijah switches off the light in his study and smiles, as he remembers how far God has brought him since those days at school. He thanks God for how much He has done for him and for his family.
He was just a plain, and not very bright boy. But the Lord has led him to become a successful writer, given him a lovely wife and daughter - and the assurance of a home in heaven.

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
That no flesh should glory in his presence.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

(1Corinthians Chapter 1 vv 27-31 )