Heschel gives us several profound thoughts around the idea of endless wonder. He notes “wonder is not a state of esthetic enjoyment. Endless wonder if endless tension, a situation in which we are shocked at the inadequacy of our awe, at the weakness of our shock, as well as the state of being asked the ultimate question.” He would challenge us with these thoughts on happiness, “the beginning of our happiness lies in the understanding that life without wonder is not worth living. What we lack is not a will to believe but a will to wonder.”

I have been reflecting on these ideas of wonder and happiness. I’ve been in deep thought about what the difference is between happiness and joy. What are the intrinsic vs extrinsic things in this life and how do they have an impact on my life? Does our everyday routines in life rob us of our happiness, our joy, our sense of awe and wonder? Where does wonder begin and how does it lead to happiness? As I sat and watched my 14 month old daughter play with her legos, I watched with amazement as she discovered new motor skills. I watched as she beamed with excitement when she would discover something new in the midst of her toys. I listened as she babbled about the new toys and experiences that she was having in that very moment. Wonder. Where is the childlike wonder that once brought us excitement? Adulting…is it stealing you of your sense of wonder which is the beginning of happiness?