Recently, my friend asked me this question in an e-mail.  And although this really has nothing specific to do with the usual chatter on my blog here, I thought it was worth sharing.  Who knows, maybe it could be applied to relationships?  Love?  Sex?…..Here’s my response: 

You know I never miss a chance to pontificate, so here’s my two cents:

Do I believe things happen for a reason?  Perhaps.  Do bad things happen to innocent people?  Yes.  Is it fair?  No.  Do they always “deserve” it?  No.  But that doesn’t mean life is an endless string of happenstance and coincidence.  I think the first indication that there is order to this world is the fact that it exists at all.  I once read that to say our world was created completely at random would be like saying that a twister could go through a junk yard and accidentally create a 747.  So, if our world was not created randomly, then I reason that it does not continue to exist randomly.

So, if not random, then what?  That’s a very good question – and one that has yet to be answered unequivocally by anyone.  Personally, I believe in a higher power, although I am open as to the exact definition (God, Allah, The Great Creator, The Universe?….I think they really are one and the same.)  But if you go on the premise that there is a Divine Creator of some sort, then it follows that there is also a plan.  In fact, the sheer act of purposeful creation is in and of itself a plan.  And because this creator has invested time/love/energy into it’s creation, it/he/she is motivated to want to see it flourish.  Even most animals have a “natural” instinct to protect and provide for their young.  One could say that’s just survival instincts, but there are countless examples where an animal went above and beyond what is natural survival to help not only it’s own young, but other animals or people as well.  And we have seen this same instinct in people from all walks of life, in all corners of the globe, and in every era since the existence of mankind.  I see this character as an example – a reflection, if you will – of the specific (not random) guidance of The Universe.

So, if we do have a higher power looking out for us, then why all the misery and suffering in this world?  I think this is the most difficult question in any discipline (religion, natural science, psychology….)  It sure would be easy to just say it’s random, and it sucks, and that’s that, but I choose to believe there’s more to it.  However, I don’t think there’s just one answer, because this world is so complex, there are bound to be many variables and therefore many explanations.  One theory that I believe to be valid in some instances, is that sometimes going through suffering is what makes us stronger, smarter, more humble, more successful or whatever other quality we recognize as positive.  Out of the manure grows a beautiful flower.  We may not like it when we’re suffering, but once we have gone through it, we see we are a better person for it and suffering was the only way we could get there.  I realize this does not always apply to every circumstance, however.

Which is why I think there are many answers to this question.  It’s also why I don’t think any of the answers to that question really solve much for us.  (Just because I know WHY the weather gets freezing cold, doesn’t mean I like it any better.)  If you are stuck trying to answer the question, you are missing the point.  Whether there is a plan or not, you are here.  You will go through suffering.  Whether you believe in a higher power or not, or whether you believe life is random or not.  So, rather than dwell on the “why?”, I believe it is best to focus your energy on the “so now what?”  I have read many quotes (none of which have I memorized or know who authored them) that explain this very concept.  It is not what happens to you that is important, it’s what you DO when something happens to you.  And if you look at people that practice this consistently in their lives, you will usually find happy and contented people.  By taking charge of your actions and reactions, you have turned something that could be seen as “random”, into something purposeful.

So, I guess the nutshell answer to “Do you believe things happen for a reason?” is: Perhaps, but if reason is important to you don’t look for it outside of yourself.

Whew….I guess I can step down off my soapbox now!  I would apologize for the long-winded answer but (a) you know me and you know I am not capable of a short answer to anything!  and (b) what do you expect with a freakin’ question like that?!  : )