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And then I stand in front of God's Throne squinting up at…

“And then I stand in front of God's Throne squinting up at His blazing glory and He says, 'You had your opportunities, boy. But did you listen? No. You went on heedlesly reading that garbagey magazine with pictures of naked girls in it. How juvenile! I gave geese more sense than that.' Please, God…” quote by Garrison Keillor
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““And then I stand in front of God's Throne squinting up at His blazing glory and He says, 'You had your opportunities, boy. But did you listen? No. You went on heedlesly reading that garbagey magazine with pictures of naked girls in it. How juvenile! I gave geese more sense than that.' Please, God. I'm only fourteen years old. A teenager. Have mercy. Be loving. I was,' says God. 'For eons. And look at what it got me. You.' God turns in disgust, just the way Daddy does. 'Sorry, but I'm the Creator. I take it personally. There are slugs and bugs and night-crawlers I feel better about having created - I mean, there are sparrows - I've got my eye on one right now. Is that sparrow consumed with lust? No. He mates in the spring and that's the end of it. Consider the lilies. Do they think about lily tits all the time? No. They look not and they lust not, and yet I say unto you that you will never be half as attractive as they. Therefore, I say unto you, think not about peckers and boobs and all that nonsense and your Heavenly Father will see that you meet a good woman and marry her, just as I do for the sparrow and walleye - yea verily, even the night-crawler and the eelpout. But I've told you this over and over for nineteen centuries. And now, verily, it's too late. Time's up, buster. Lights out! Game's over!””

Garrison Keillor

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A satirical monologue where God critiques a teen's superficial concerns, urging focus on deeper values and humility.

In simple terms: God humorously rebukes a teen’s shallow preoccupations, urging humility.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize substance over superficiality.

Themes

humor religion humility growth critique

Mood

playful critical reflective

Type

satirical spiritual conversational

When to use this quote

  • teenage self‑image
  • media influence
  • spiritual reflection
  • parental advice

Key Concepts

Satire spiritual guidance moral lesson

Questions to Reflect On

  • What superficial concerns dominate your thoughts?
  • How can you cultivate humility in daily life?
A Different Perspective

Satire may alienate those with serious faith.

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