Everything Really Does Happen for a Reason

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."
— Marilyn Monroe

Can it really be true that everything happens for a reason? As amazing as it sounds, it is. There is significance in every event of our lives, from the most joyful and empowering to the inexplicable or seemingly unjust. Amazing as it sounds, it is true. It's taken me a long time, but I now see that even in the worst situation-and I've had my share-there are wonderful gifts, hidden opportunities, or life-enhancing lessons. And we couldn't have gotten them any other way. If someone as hardheaded as I am can come to understand this, anyone can.

Of course, sometimes it's easy for us to believe that everything happens for a reason. We see it in little ways, like when our plans for an evening out fall through at the last minute, and we discover that everything we really want is at home that night anyway.

Last year, I was at a point where I needed to make a major life decision. I was planning to go back to the Philippines and just stay there and go back to what I used to do. January this year, I attended a bible study together with my 'kababayans' (fellow Filipinos). They prayed for me and told me to have a vacation. Speaking of vacation, the plan was, we were supposed to have a 3 months vacation in the Philippines this February. But since something came up plus I still don't have my visa yet, and I haven't talked to my boss regarding my vacation, I've decided to stay in Norway. My life was already too busy and this was the thing I needed the most. I feel like, it was almost as if the Universe was forcing me to take a time out- because I was too busy to schedule it for myself.

In this context, “everything happens for a reason” amounts to nothing more than “every cloud has a silver lining”. Rather than looking for a needle of hope in a haystack of despair, let us face the bad things that happen to us as they are, and feel the stronger for it once we have overcome them. Instead of trying to look for reasons why something bad might not be so bad after all, why not accept that bad things happen, do everything in our power to repair the damage, and then enjoy the truly good things in our lives in all their undiluted glory.

Did this situation happen for a reason? As crazy as it sounds, I believe it did and that life is not a haphazard roll of the dice, but rather, an intricately woven tapestry of experiences of great significance. Each event in our lives is important, from the most inspired and enlightened to the seemingly unexplainable, inequitable or incomprehensible.

However, sometimes when we're in the heat of the situation, this is difficult to understand. I was too stuck in the "situation" to even consider that there could be a bigger plan at work. When we look for the meaning, we can find the gift in what could be perceived as a negative experience. By seeing these experiences as lessons and opportunities we find greater purpose in our lives. If you look for and discover the meaning in the random events that happen in your life, everything will change. You will be empowered in a new way, feel a greater connection to the Universe and will step forward with confidence and clarity to live the life of your dreams, knowing that everything does indeed happen for a reason.

God moves in mysterious ways or has plans for us all that we don’t always understand. Now, I'm very happy because I just received a letter from the police that my visa was approved. Since I'm not yet citizen in Norway, I have to renew my visa every year. Finally, my boss allowed me to have a 3 weeks vacation from March 21-April 10... even though I was hoping for 3 months... 'masaya na rin ako sa tatlong linggo.' Now, everything starts to fall into place. (Sana lang magtuloy-tuloy... hehehe) About having a vacation in the Philippines this year, I'm not yet sure... but I know there's a better plan for that one. :)

Problems will always be a part of life, and at times when you’re down, when you’re at your lowest point, talk to God. If you ask sincerely, he will enlighten you, clear your confusion, ease your pain, calm your fears, and heal your heart. It’s not going to provide you an instant solution to your problem, but God works in mysterious ways, and as long as you walk with Him, and just trust and believe, the sooner you’ll get to that place where you’ll see everything clearly, and you’ll finally begin to understand. Everything happens for a reason. You may not understand the reason now, but you will when the time is right.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone! Ha en fin Søndag alle sammen! :)