Does everything happen for a reason?

I heard the comment today that "everything happens for a reason."

Although I would like to believe in a universe that is the product of a purposeful will, unfortunately, many things happen to us randomly, without reason. Violent, evil acts are committed against people for no other reason than that they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I think the best we can hope for, as thoughtful human beings, is to make the most of the cards we are dealt, to be thankful for the gifts we have, and to focus on the things in our lives that are meaningful.