A rich man who was near death was grieved that all the wealth he had worked so hard for in his lifetime would be left behind. So he began praying fervently that he would be able to take some of his wealth with him to Heaven. An angel heard his plea and appeared, "Sorry, but that's the rule. You can't take your wealth with you."
The man implored the angel to speak to God on his behalf, and perhaps bend the rules just this once. After a time the angel reappeared, and informed the man that God had decided to let him bring one suitcase with him. Overjoyed, the man filled his largest suitcase with bars of pure gold, and placed it at the foot of his bed.
Upon his death that very night, the man appeared at the Gates of Heaven. St. Peter, greeted him saying, "Welcome! But hold on just a minute. You can't bring that suitcase in here with you!"
The man explained to St. Peter that he had permission to bring one suitcase, and asked him to verify it with the Lord. St. Peter told him to wait a minute, and disappeared. A moment later St. Peter reappeared and said, "Sure enough, you are allowed to bring one carry-on bag. But I'll have to check its contents before letting you through."
Peter opened the man's suitcase, and upon seeing the gold bars, exclaimed, "You brought pavement?!?!"