Many people try to get away from their day job to celebrate their birthday. One New Jersey man, however, decided to do exactly the opposite. Bill Hansen celebrated his 100th birthday by returning to the job he worked diligently for 32 years. Fred Hutchinson, CEO of Hutchinson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, who signed Hansen back on with the company for one day, welcomed him with a birthday cake and a full day of assignments.

"He took off about 15 minutes after we signed that agreement to get to work," said Hutchinson. Hansen, who had spent as much time as he could at the company before retiring at age 97, did not have much to say for retired life. "I hate being retired ... I never had a job where I didn't want to go to work in the morning." Hansen said he attributes much of his happiness in life to his love of his work, his wife, and his family.

Potential Preaching Angles: Work; Honoring God—The Bible calls us to work hard and cheerfully, "as if working for the Lord." This not only pleases God, but is a powerful tool for our own happiness and contentment on earth.