Andy looked in
mirror to give himself “once over” before heading out door to most important event of his life. He finally had his chance to interview with Zenon Industries. Undoubtedly finest company in his field, landing a job with Zenon meant unlimited career possibilities coupled with great security. Andy had prepared for weeks to have all right answers to potential interview questions. He had splurged on a quality business suit, Italian shoes and even a new briefcase. One thing he had learned long ago was to always dress one level above position sought, so to project an image of promotability. Andy was pleased with his preparations, his appearance and his attitude. He was pumped, for this day was important and it deserved his best effort. As he headed out door, Andy’s seven-year-old son Colin promised that he and Mom would pray for Dad “all day long.”
The hiring staff at Zenon experienced an interview with a true professional in top form. Andy did a stellar job. Driving home after interview he reviewed everything in his mind. He was convinced that he came across well and that job was as good as filled. Andy’s confidence was soon rewarded, for on following Friday he got call. Zenon offered a package he could not believe. Besides a hefty raise and improved benefits, he would get hoped-for company car and a signing bonus. Most definitely news worth celebrating.
Saturday brought a night on town like he and his wife Karen had never had in their lives. A five-star meal, expensive seats at theater, and dancing into night. Everything was perfect. All of his sacrifices in past made this accomplishment taste even sweeter. The future was bright and portended great things.
Sunday dawned and Andy crawled out of bed still basking in glow of his good fortune. The family usually went to 10:45 Mass so that they had a bit of time to relax before heading out door. Reflecting on his good fortune, Andy realized that most important thank-you was yet to come. God had given him a golden moment and it was right to offer thanks in person. Stopping at same mirror he used for “once over,” he silently nodded his approval for his chosen Sunday Mass attire.
Andy had on his finest cutoff shorts, a T-shirt emblazoned with logo of his favorite sports team and his best sneakers. Perfect. Once Mass is over, Andy thought, we can roll right into day. Maybe we’ll have a “second celebration” of new job with entire family...a stop at Macaroni Grill for lunch, followed by ice cream. Hey, why not?
Enroute to church, Andy was feeling proud and grateful. He commented to his wife how very important this Mass was, for there was so much for which he needed to express gratitude. Hearing his Dad express, once again, how important a coming event was, Colin piped up with his usual, brutal candor. “Daddy,” Colin said, “If Mass is important, just like thing you did other day, how come you aren’t wearing that special suit again? Doesn’t God like to see you dressed up too?”
Andy, man with all answers at Zenon, was speechless. In his mind he ran through all comebacks he could make. Excuses like, “God only cares what is in our hearts” or “God isn’t interested in outward appearance” or “God loves us no matter what we wear” were lame and unconvincing. Colin had managed, in his childhood innocence, to lay bare truth. The boy’s comment cut like a laser through new hero of Zenon Industries. God, quite simply, was not worth effort. Andy knew it was true. Zenon was worth a new suit, power tie and Italian shoes. The Maker of universe merited cutoffs and a T-shirt. God got no better than clothes that I would wear to change oil in my car, Andy thought. He realized that his message was, “I am grateful, Lord, but not enough to raise you above everyday, so I’ll give thanks dressed like I just mowed lawn.”
