This quote from C. S. Lewis highlights a profound aspect of human experience: the type of happiness driven by awe and wonder often leads us to a more serious, contemplative state of mind. Unlike fleeting pleasure, genuine joy rooted in awe tends to invoke reflection about life's deeper meanings. When we encounter moments of true wonder—whether in nature, art, or spiritual moments—we often feel a sense of humility. This humility makes us more contemplative, urging us to ponder our place in the universe, our purpose, and the divine or transcendent realities beyond everyday life. Such happiness isn't superficial or shallow; rather, it penetrates our inner selves, beckoning us toward sincerity and a recognition of life's deeper truths. In the context of the Christian contemplative tradition, this serious joy enriches our spiritual journey, fostering reverence and a desire to seek the divine with earnestness. It’s this blend of happiness and seriousness that sustains a meaningful life—those moments of wonder catalyze growth, wisdom, and humility. As Lewis suggests, becoming truly aware of life's mysteries prompts us to grow more serious, more thoughtful, and more committed to understanding what lies beyond surface appearances. Embracing this kind of happiness requires courage; it asks us to stop, reflect, and appreciate the sacred in the ordinary, transforming fleeting moments into lifelong pursuits of love, truth, and delight in the divine.

(Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist) - ---John Piper---