What is Coincidence, Anyways?

The other day I experienced something that I at first could only describe as a crazy coincidence.  I ended up running into someone on a streetcar out of the blue, whose path I never would normally cross, unless I purposely made it happen.  And it was someone who I absolutely wanted to see, and had been thinking of, but had I knew I needed to give some space. The circumstances around this were all just too random, too out of my control and probably could never be duplicated, even if I tried to.  I never usually take the streetcar home, and was daydreaming instead of getting off at the stop that I had planned to.  And as a result, our paths crossed.
Which got me wondering, what IS coincidence?  Does it exist or does everything happen for a reason, and with a purpose?  Do we tell ourselves that these occurrences are just coincidences to make sense of life? And are we best to let things flow as they will, believing that the Universe has a plan and these "coincidences" are just sent as confirmations that we have surrendered and now the plan can unfold properly without our interruptions and meddling. 
Makes sense when you think about it.
When I think of times when a coincidence has taken place and I backtrack and reflect on the thinking or thought patterns that led to my actions, it is usually only after I have stopped pushing or pursuing something.  There is a sense of lightness, peace, and then a coincidence occurs.  Something to be more aware of.  Perhaps the true aim is to be as free as possible in your life, to trust openly and honestly and know that there will be those sweet moments of clarity that will come to show you that you are following your true calling. 
 

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