Wisdom

“With age comes wisdom,” or so the saying goes. What I do know is that I have a wealth of life experiences to share with others—lessons I’ve learned, pain I’ve endured, things I would change, and moments when I’ve learned to trust my gut. 

I know I’ve gained empathy and compassion for others. I understand that life is hard and that we don’t always make the best choices. I know life isn’t fair, and we don’t always get what we want. I’ve learned to cherish every moment with the people I love because I can lose them in the blink of an eye. I know that life is short, so I’ve made a habit of seeking great adventures and saying yes to as many experiences as I can.

I hold God, family, and friends above all else. I’ve grown to appreciate the joy of serving others and putting their needs before my own. I pay closer attention to the little, everyday miracles—babies, animals, smiles, nature, kind words, acts of generosity, and the beauty that exists in the human soul. My breath is taken away by the peace and serenity of a sunrise or sunset. I listen a little more closely. I speak words of encouragement more often than before. I am unbelievably grateful for every bite I eat, every breath I take, every dollar I make, and every moment I am given.

I suppose this is the wisdom that comes with age—the wisdom gained from the scars that mark our life lessons, from failing again and again until we finally succeed. The wisdom that comes from true connection with others when we put aside our differences and truly look into another’s eyes. The wisdom that comes from listening to those who came before us and learning from their experiences.

And yet, there are some things I will never fully understand—great losses, great pain. I suppose I will have to wait until I meet my Maker to gain that kind of wisdom.

So yes, I do feel wise. I do have a lot to share. But I still have so much to learn.
I look forward to my next 50 years with great anticipation, knowing that I will walk through these days with even greater wisdom than I had in my first 50.