Does everything happen for a reason?

With St. Patrick's day approaching I was thinking about luck, especially after seeing this post on Facebook. Does luck just happen because or does it happen for a reason?

After some contemplation and reading I think that everything does happen for a reason, but only if we allow ourselves to see the reason. In 1st Nephi, it reads, "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." Sometimes those tender mercies come in the form of cookies, a hug, or a phone call. They are simple ways to remind you that Heavenly Father is listening. Other times though, these "tender mercies" come in the form of trials. 

I often think of my parents as a good example. They pushed me through piano lessons when things were hard. Sometimes, my hands hurt, my arms ached, and my arpeggios didn't seem any better. But they say something I couldn't see- the piano was not about learning a musical instrument, it was about discipline. Granted, those years of study has paid off for them when they get beautiful music in their home, but that is beside the point.

Our Heavenly Father is bound by His own laws. When we pray and ask for help or guidance He can come to our aid, or allow us to wait for necessary relief, or allow us to find the answer. I'm sure there are other answers, but those are the big ones that I have seen in my life. When we are in deep, deep despair he will come to our aid. I have felt this in the middle of the night, as I lay awake panicking about nothing. When he sees better blessings ahead, he allows us to wait. And, when we need to learn how to help His children, He allows us to find the answers. I am so grateful for a loving Father who gives me exactly what I need, even if it is not what I necessarily want.