"Begin with the end in mind"
Paved With Gold
March 2009
A very old and very ill and very mean old building contractor was close to death but clung on to life to the wonder of all those around him.
One night as he lay there in the dark an angel appeared before him and told him he should have no fear of death and that eternal life waited for him on the other side.
The angel thinking it was the fear of his miserly existence that made him too frightened to die was surprised when the old builder told him that he didn't want to leave his wealth behind. He said he wouldn't leave this world unless he could take his wealth with him.
But the angel told him that that wasn't possible and he would have no need of his earthly possessions once he had entered the light.
But the builder clung to his worldly existence and refused to die. "Ask God for me" he implored the angel and the angel went and asked. The angel was even more surprised when God granted the old man his wish. The angel returned to tell him the good news although he said that God would allow him only one suitcase.
The old man arranged for the suitcase to be filled to the brim with gold bars and at last satisfied he lay back closed his eyes and left this material world.
The next thing he knew he was standing outside the pearly gates, suitcase in hand. St. Peter was standing waiting for him but held up his hand when he spotted the suitcase. "I'm sorry my son" he said "but you can't bring any earthly possessions in here".
The old builder explained that he had been given special permission by the Lord himself and after checking his story St. Peter told him that he was correct and that he could now enter into heaven. "However", he said "I do need to check the contents of your suitcase before I can admit you".
The old man opened the bag for St. Peter who looked puzzled, "You brought pavement?" he asked in amazement.