It's probably not on your calendar, but yesterday was the 497th anniversary of the 'discovery' of Pine Island by Juan Ponce de Leon. In 1493 de Leon sailed on Columbus' second voyage to the New World. It was on this voyage that de Leon led a successful expedition to the island of Puerto Rico where he established the first permanent European community, and it was there that he began to hear stories of a 'fountain of youth.'
 
His search for the 'fountain of youth' led him to Pine Island (May 23, 1513). He didn't find the 'fountain,' or if he did, the folks on Pine Island (some of whom number in our membership) are quiet about it. Not deterred, eight years later de Leon returned to the area only to be fatally wounded by an arrow in a fight with native Calusa Indians.
 
This is not to say that Pine Island is a dangerous place. In fact, some of my favorite restaurants are there. But it does underscore humankind's perpetual search for something to turn back aging.
 
What would it be like to be 'reborn?' Come death...those who are in Christ Jesus will find out.