Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon, is often associated with the search for the legendary Fountain of Youth to cure his aging. On both sides of the Atlantic stories of such a rejuvenating water were common. Man has always sought for some way to stop the aging process and become immortal.

It is still the case today. We seek for ways to look younger and keep from aging. Anti-aging creams, cosmetic surgery, antioxidants and genetics are all modern day attempts to find that elusive “fountain of youth”. We don’t like to admit our mortality because it reminds us of our limitations as human beings. Reality is that, as much as we may try to live as though we will never die, deep down we all know it “ain’t so.” We know the clock is ticking and there is nothing we can do to stop it.
When we do face the reality of our immortality, we are forced to respond in one of three ways: 1) we can despair; 2) we can ignore it and bury ourselves in one big party all the time; 3) we can face it by living gratefully in the knowledge that our lives our in the hands of a loving Father, who made us and has a purpose for our lives. The last option frees to find, not the fountain of youth, but the fountain of life where there is purpose and hope for today and tomorrow.

FANNING THE FLAME
What attitude towards aging and mortality do you think your children and grandchildren glean from your life? Are we so obsessed with trying to stay “young” that we devalue the meaning of aging and death as purposeful, even essential components of living as God’s workmanship? When the subject of death arises, are you able to talk about it with your grandchildren in such a way that they can understand how our mortality should lead us to place our trust in God?

GRANDPAUSE: “If men are prepared to die they are ready for anything.” -Unknown