What is Kismet?

Photo credit: Rui Palha, Pigeons at Bolhão, Porto Portugal, 2010

Traditionally, we’ve thought of kismet as fate or destiny. You’re sitting at a café in a train station in Paris, look up, and there’s the person you sat beside on the plane. No one planned it. Somehow, everything lined up. Do you believe in being somewhere at the right place, at the right time? Was it pre-destined or just a random thing that doesn't mean anything?

Cosmic Order vs. Random Chance

"The word coincidence comes from the Medieval Latin word coincidere, which literally means "to fall upon together." I don't believe in random coincidences. I deeply believe that when kismet happens (which is not everyday) it's a reminder of how interconnected we all are. 

So, following that thread... when kismet happens, we are reminded of these possibilities: 

1. There is an underlying order to our lives. 2. People don't just randomly show up in your life.  3. The most profound things that have occured in my life were beyond my control.  4. Not everything has deep meaning or purpose.  5. Kismet feels like time is frozen for a moment.

What is your definition of kismet?  And most importantly, when is the last time it showed up in your life?