At the Pearly Gates
A
Contractor dies in a car accident on his 40th birthday and finds himself at the
Pearly Gates. A brass band is playing, the Angels are singing a beautiful hymn,
there is a huge crowd cheering and shouting his name and absolutely everyone
wants to shake his hand.
Just when he thinks things can't possible get any better, Saint Peter himself
runs over, apologises for not greeting him personally at the Pearly Gates,
shakes his hand and says "Congratulations son, we've been waiting a long
time for you!"
Totally confused and a little embarrassed, the draftee sheepishly looks at Saint
Peter and says "Saint Peter, I tried to lead a God fearing life, I
loved my family, I tried to obey the 10 commandments, but congratulations for
what? I honestly don't remember doing anything really special when I was
alive."
Congratulations for what?" says Saint Peter, totally amazed at the man's
modesty.
"We're celebrating the fact that you lived to be 160 years old! God himself
wants to see you!"
The man is awe struck and can only look at Saint Peter with his mouth agape.
When he regains his power of speech, he looks up at Saint Peter and says
"Saint Peter, I lived my life in the eternal hope that when I died I would
be judged by God and be found to be worthy, but I only lived to be forty."
That's simply impossible my son, says Saint Peter. "We've added up your
time sheets."