The eyes have it
They say the eyes are the window to the soul. I wholeheartedly believe this to be true.
From my vantage point, my eyes see the world constantly changing. Weeks, months and years go by; my eyes see the external world in constant forward motion. But inside, I’m still just me — the same “me” that I was 20 years ago.
The mirror in my house must be defective. The image I see does not match my self image. I’m still that spunky and energetic 12-yearold who wanted to be an FBI agent. I’m still that
15-year-old aspiring tennis player who vowed to someday win the U.S. Open. I’m that rebellious
17-year-old who longed to be a free spirit and travel the world, and I’m that
19-year-old who planned on being an interpreter for the United Nations. All those personas make up who I am — all parts of the whole. And they are all still me.
Then a funny thing happened. It’s called “life.” And it is fleeting. It slows down for no one. No bribe can sway its fluidity. Before I knew it, I was looking through eyes that have seen almost six decades pass by. These eyes have seen heartache, but mainly they have seen wondrous sights and witnessed amazing joys. Children and then grandchildren, families expanding before my very eyes — yes indeed, I’ve seen joy. I’ve seen miracles.
These eyes have looked deep into the eyes of a wonderful partner and seen a reflection of the true love that lives within me. These eyes have bid farewell to the dearest of souls and greeted the brand new eyes of newborn babies. My eyes. Yes indeed, the eyes have it.
These eyes have looked out at the vast ocean and seen God’s majesty and grace. They have taken in the sunrises over the horizon, watched as soft waves lapped the beach. They have witnessed dolphins playfully riding in the waves and watched pelicans gliding effortlessly through the air, perusing the shallow water for a quick breakfast.
I think of the past that these eyes have witnessed, and I grieve not for it, but rather remember it fondly and almost as if no time has passed. For I was that little girl who was being taught to ride on the wave in the shallow water by her dad. I was that curvaceous 20-year-old, flitting about the beach with the utmost confidence. I was that young mother busily building a sandcastle with her little kids. And now, I can sit back and know that I’ve had a wonderful life. And I smile at the possibility that there is much more for these eyes to see. These eyes choose to see happiness. They are blessed to see the love of a close-knit family and good friends. They see the world, imperfect as it is, and choose to see the good.
Your eyes see many sights, no doubt, both good and bad. But you have the power to perceive those sights. Let your heart smile with what you see. Find the good. At the risk of sounding like Pollyanna, there is always a rainbow, even after the darkest of storms. You just have to wait for the sun. And cherish your precious eyes for they are indeed the window to your soul.
Terry Alburger is the resident services director at Brittany Pointe Estates, an Acts Retirement-Life Community in Upper Gwynedd. Email thoughts to talburger@ actslife.org.