The Eyes of Wisdom

... bright eyes burning like fire ... bright eyes, how can you close and fade ... how can the eyes that burn so brightly suddenly turns so pale ... bright eyes...

While accompanying my grandmother to buy a pair of eye glasses yesterday, I accidentally had a closer glimpse of her eyes. The one's vibrant eyes that I knew before are already void of the enthusiasm of the youth. The fire in it is dying ... the spark fading. But looking at them once more, I realized that I am already staring the eyes of wisdom.

Have I already gained wisdom? Or will I ever see the same wisdom in my own eyes several years from now?

Looking back, I know that I have somehow proven my worth as an individual.  I am already half-way to attaining wisdom ... from fighting for my own temporary independence to changing careers in pursuit of an unknown dream ... I know I already gained wisdom.

I have proven myself profesionally. I have built my name in the professional world on my own, not behind my family's shadow, nor in the familiar place. I know that I have helped my students understand the beauty of learning, in some special ways, and I am learning from them in return.

I know that while my colleagues (past and present), family and friends touched my life, I have been part of them as well.I was able to create an impact and somehow touched their lives in my own special ways, both with my stubborn wits and my cautious diplomacy.

Though my judgement failed sometimes, I learned valuable lessons from it. Mistakes and realizations, I know, are one of the sources of wisdom.

Staring at my grandma's wise eyes, I just couldn't believe that I am older each year. Every year is my new year. I wonder what each new year bring in store for me? Do I already have enough wisdom to guide me through life's endless battles ahead? Or will I only gain wisdom fully when life's years are already etched in my face and successfully robbed away the fire in my eyes?

Only the Highest Wisdom knows.

12.03.2006