Following a path

I sometimes wonder if we give meaning to things that simply do not have any meaning.

For example, let's say you do not get a certain job you had your heart set on. Often times we will tell ourselves, "Oh.. perhaps it was not meant to be." Or maybe our friends pat us on the back and say, "It wasn't your destiny."

Destiny. Fate. That proverbial path. What does that all mean?

I have chosen to live my life in a way that is more of a "go with the flow" sort of mentality. I have this strongly held belief that there is a road and on that road are many paths to take. Sort of like those "Choose Your Own Adventure" books I read as a child. I have always held strong to the thought that each one of these paths will contain various doors - some will open and some will not. I wander aimlessly like some little mouse in a maze looking for that piece of cheese. If one door is shut, I look to the left and there it was - the whole time - that other door and other path I was supposed to take. No matter which way I go - I always end up where I am supposed to be.

But is that what is really happening? Why do we enjoy the idea of this pre-determined set of events? I know I have said numerous times, "Things always work out." But then as I drive down the street and see the homeless guy, standing in tattered clothes with his "Will Work For Food" sign, I have to question what I believe. Things did not work out for this guy, or did it?

Perhaps his purpose in life is to stir an emotional response, to teach me to be more compassionate and grateful. Or does he? Why do I have to attach meaning to his existence?

At the end of the day, I will continue to believe that life is one big continuous coincidence of occurrences. Things that were supposed to happen.
Whether or not this is indeed what is happening at the time, is an entirely different matter.

My question to you is - why do we do this? Do you do this? If not, how do you deal with the "meaning" of life and our paths.

BTW - This random thought hit me after a conversation I had with someone recently who got some bad news. I caught myself saying the exact thing I hated hearing when I was in the middle of "bad news" months. ;-)