The Fountain of Youth

The fountain of youth was an imaginary spring whose waters were supposed to make old persons young again.  In 1513, Juan Ponce deLeon, a Spanish explorer, searched in vain for the fountain in Florida.  Today’s culture holds out the promise of such a fountain in fitness clubs, an array of dietary plans and supplements, and surgical procedures ranging from tummy tucks to face lifts.  However, without going to any such lengths or even searching for the fountain, I found it!

Last December (1998) I turned sixty years old.  At the end of June, my job was eliminated.  Sixty years old and no job!  But I remembered how much I had enjoyed raising and educating my four children and thought how much I missed them all now.  Then I reminded myself that, although we owe a special stewardship to our biological children, all children are our responsibility.  How could I be a special influence in the lives of children?

I offered to volunteer my time and energies to the children at Smith Road Elementary School, where my son and three daughters went years ago.  Now, when Fridays end, I look forward to Mondays.  In the evenings and on the weekends, my mind is constantly in action generating ideas to enhance an already excellent school system.  I am volunteering to teach programs during the summer.  I feel joyful, alive, and invigorated.  I have found my Fountain of Youth.  Could it be yours as well?