Wisdom or Acceptance?

I'm not sure whether we gain wisdom as we get older or whether it is simply acceptance. 

I remember when my mother was 76, in '94, the year she passed away. I am 74 now. Anyhow, I remember saying to her that it was a shame that her life was not easier at that point. She told me, without any trace of sadness or bitterness or annoyance, that nobody ever said life gets easier just because we get older. She was absolutely right.

I was wondering today why I felt a bit fragmented the past week or so. Then I took a few moments to look back. I'm in the midst of a strange lawsuit, for one thing. I spent a few days finding documents, then scanning and emailing them. Along with that, my 14 year old garbage disposal stopped working. It would hum but not roar. Also, it was dripping water under my sink. So, I had to deal with getting someone to replace that. A few other things got in the way of any plans I had made for the past week. Having looked back, I can see why I feel a bit at odds.

It all worked out. It always does, one way or another.

That statement, that it always works out one way or another, is not wisdom, in my book. It is more like acceptance of what life is and what life must be.

I am very happy if I get a chance to gather my wits between unexpected events in my life. I remember a younger friend of mine, years ago, making a statement that began, "When my life gets back to normal..." And I remember laughing and saying, "After 30, nothing is ever normal."

I really don't care whether it is wisdom or acceptance - either way, that way of looking at things helps keep the stress to a minimum. I'm comfy with that way of looking at life.