I think Erin suggested this one.  It’s not a term I use often, but its definition is simple enough, “fate or destiny.”  This is where things get interesting for me.  I will say I don’t believe in fate or destiny, but I do believe things happen for a reason when they are supposed to happen.  When I put it that way, it sounds like fate or destiny, doesn’t it?

When fate or destiny is used, it sounds to me like we have absolutely no say in the outcome of an event or situation, and I’ve never quite “gotten” the whole predestination thing.  If everything is predetermined, then it doesn’t matter what we do, so why would we attempt to do the right thing?

On the other hand, if things happen for a reason, it still sounds to me like we may be able to affect an outcome.  The challenge, of course, is whether our actions or inactions will produce the results we think they will.  No matter how we try to develop formulas for what works in life, we always seem to fall short.

So, maybe it is kismet — or even karma.  I just happen to like to say, “in spite of my best efforts, it seems like things happen when they’re supposed to happen and not a moment before then.”