A contractor dies in a car accident on his 40th birthday and findshimself at the Pearly Gates. A brass band is playing, the Angels aresinging abeautiful hymn, there is a huge crowd cheering and shouting his nameand absolutely everyone wants to shake his hand.
Just when he thinks things can’t possible get any better, Saint Peterhimself runs over, apologises for not greeting him personally at the Pearly Gates, shakes his hand and says "Congratulations son, we’vebeen waiting a long time for you!"
Totally confused and a little embarrassed, the draftee sheepishlylooks at Saint Peter and says "Saint Peter, I tried to lead a God fearinglife, I loved my family, I tried to obey the 10 commandments, butcongratulations for what? I honestly don’t remember doing anythingreally 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! Godhimself wants to see you!"
The man is awe struck and can only look at Saint Peter with his mouthagape. When he regains his power of speech, he looks up at Saint Peterand says "Saint Peter, I lived my life in the eternal hope that when Idied I would be judged by God and be found to be worthy, but I onlylived to be forty."
That’s simply impossible my son, says Saint Peter."We’ve added up your time sheets."