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Themes Eternal Life THE TRUTH OF YOUTH Juan Ponce de Leon was a very respected Spanish soldier. However, he was not happy. His life was not exciting enough for him. He often dreamed about becoming a great explorer and exploring new worlds. In 1493, he got a chance to sail with Christopher Columbus to the newly discovered America. As fast as he could, he signed on. They soon reached America and explored up and down the eastern coast, including some of the little islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. In 1508, Ponce de Leon arrived on a little island called Puerto Rico and built a brand new colony. A year later he became the first governor. Life was exciting and new worlds were being discovered. The only problem was, he was now over 60 years old and did not have the energy he used to have. How he wished he could be a young man again. One day he heard a legend about a little island called Bimini where there was said to be a spring that restored youth to all who bathed in its waters. Imagine a Fountain of Youth that would keep you young forever! This was exactly what he wanted. Soon he became obsessed with the idea of finding this fountain and becoming young again. In March of 1513 he quit his job, bought a ship, hired a crew, and set sail on the biggest quest of his life. He was determined to find the Fountain of Youth. On Easter Sunday he sighted a coast. Could this be Bimini? He landed and began his search. But he soon realized this land was not Bimini, it was too big to be an island. He named the place La Florida. Yes, Ponce de Leon had discovered Florida! But that was not what he was looking for. He had only one thing one on his mind, the Fountain of Youth. He set out again and sailed around Florida up the West Coast. He searched and searched and never found it. Ponce de Leon spent years searching very hard for something that did not exist. In 1521, he died at the age of 61 without finding what he wanted most. His search and life ended in disappointment. It's too bad he didn't spend all that time and effort searching for God. The Bible says, "Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near" (Isaiah 55:6). Those who are serious about this search will never be disappointed: "And you will seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). Seeking salvation for your soul is far more important than seeking a Fountain of Youth. The Fountain was said to restore physical life to all who came, but God promises to give eternal life to all who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24).
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Shelly McKenna
