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The monologue, "Just Managing My Time," addresses issues of work, workaholism, worship, rest, renewal, and honoring the Sabbath. A man who conducts business on his cell phone plugged into the wall of the men's restroom at church on Sunday has no problems with any of these things. He is just managing his time.

Cast

The monologue is delivered by a busy man. Everything he does is fast paced. He has no time to rest. He worships when it fits his schedule and his needs.

Setting And Costumes

There is no special set needed. All that is needed is a wall with an electrical outlet, or something that looks like an outlet that a cell phone charger can be plugged into. The man is dressed for church and business.

Props
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Cell phone with a charger



(A man enters and dials a number on his cell phone. He puts it up to his ear, then takes it down and shakes his head. The battery is dead. He pulls the charger out of his pocket, plugs it into the wall and into his phone, and places his call. He waits for someone to pick up and looks impatiently at his watch. As he is talking he occasionally forgets he is plugged into the wall. He begins to walk around, accidentally unplugging the cord and getting very frustrated. He is waiting impatiently for someone to answer.)


Come on. Come on. (now talking to Lance on the phone) Lance, you're there. Great. I need the file you're working on by one o'clock. (pauses as though listening to Lance) I know it's Sunday, which is the day before Monday, which is the day before Tuesday when I have to give the presentation. (pauses) Yes, I know it's Sunday morning. (pauses) I'm not at the office. I'm at church. (pauses) No, of course I'm not in the service talking on my phone. I'm in the men's bathroom. My battery's low. I had to plug in my charger. (pauses) I am not a workaholic. I'm just managing my time. (pauses) They're only singing in there, right now. I'll go in when the pastor starts talking, and by the time he's done my battery should be charged and I can finish calling my clients during the picnic. I'm going to the park with my family. Might as well get something done while I'm there. Hang on, Lance, I have another call.

(pushes a button to take the other call) Hello, this is Steve. (pauses) John, thanks for calling me back. (pauses) Yes, calm down. I'm fine. Have you set the meeting up for Wednesday? (pauses and then with a little irritation) Yes, that's what I called for. (pauses) Well, it seemed like an emergency to me. (pauses) Yes, I know it's Sunday. That only leaves three days until Wednesday. (pauses) Hey, I'm on the other line. Just give me a call when you get it set up, okay? 'Bye.

(pushes button to go back to other call) Lance, you still there? (pauses) Relax, there's a speaker here in the bathroom. I can hear what's going on. They're just doing the preliminaries: singing, praying, offering, that stuff. (pauses) What do you mean why do I bother? Our family goes to church together every week. You should try it sometime. (pauses, then with a hint of self-righteousness) Well, I guess everyone has priorities. Just make sure to get me the file by one. Bring it by the park so I can get started on it during the picnic. Hey, even better. I think there's a fax machine here at the church. I'll get the number and email it to you from my phone. Fax it by 12:50 and I can take it with me to the picnic.

(looks up as though listening to the speaker) Lance, gotta go. They're doing the handshaking thing. You won't believe this. I found out there's a guy here who works for Snider and Sons. He could really help us out. I need to go meet him. Hey, let me know if you and your family want to come to church with us. Remember, fax it by 12:50. (pauses) Okay. 'Bye. (puts down phone to charge and rushes off to the service)