Chapter 22 - Sermons and Woodboxes

Summary

The Rev. Paul Ford, despondent over the fracturing of his parish and preparing a sermon denouncing hypocrisy, is discovered by Pollyanna in the woods. After initial concern for his health, Pollyanna engages him in conversation, revealing that her late father named the Bible's many commands to rejoice the 'rejoicing texts' and used them to invent her 'just being glad' game. Listening with newfound understanding, Ford is inspired to abandon his bitter sermon, tearing up his notes and adopting a message of encouragement instead, inspired by Pollyanna's faith in human nature.

Characters

• Pollyanna — Pollyanna finds the Rev. Paul Ford resting under a tree and, upon realizing he is burdened by trouble, shares stories of her father and the 'rejoicing texts' that comforted him. She explains how her father used these texts to develop the 'just being glad' game, leaving the minister visibly moved and inspired by her perspective.
• Rev. Paul Ford / Paul Ford (the minister, Rev., minister) — The Rev. Paul Ford sits in the woods, deeply troubled by the conflict in his parish and a draft sermon denouncing hypocrites. After a conversation with Pollyanna about her father's faith and the 'rejoicing texts,' he tears up his original notes, resolves to encourage his parishioners instead, and begins writing a new sermon based on Pollyanna's influence.