Fate and Coincidence, Doors and Windows

So you've all heard the old saying, "When God closes a door, He opens a window."

First of all, as a random thought, who ever wants to go out a window? Are we escaping a fire? Isn't there usually a fall outside a window? Why doesn't He open another door, as a more normal method of advancing from where we are?

Okay, just wanted to get that off my chest.

I don't believe in coincidences. I think things happen for a reason and a purpose, even sometimes in the most miniscule ways. But I also don't believe that things are locked, in that Fate sort of way. I believe that there are ways that mankind can contradict something of design. We do, after all, have the ability to make decisions for ourselves.

But when it comes to the point about doors, I'm just not sure what to do with it. I'm reminded of a joke where a man sits atop his roof as the floodwaters have submerged his house. A rescue boat drifts by and offers to help. He refuses, saying God will save him. Next is a helicopter. Same response. Then the waters rise and he drowns. At the gates of Heaven, he asks God, "Why didn't you save me?" To which God replies, "I sent you help, but you never took it!"

So I believe that God opens doors, He sets about plans, He has an intention for my life. But since I am a creature of free will and choice, I have to step through those doors. So... what happens if my doubt anchors me so that I never choose to step through any door? I am stuck, unsure of what the "right" and "wrong" paths for my life are. I overanalyze my entire being. And when that's all finished, I realize that I'm still in the same place as I was before, because I never chose to actually go anywhere.

And now I have taken a step towards a door - a right or wrong door, it doesn't matter - but at least I have taken the step. I think it's more disappointing to not choose at all, than to "choose wrong." But this doesn't exactly give me courage toward the decisions that I've made. I still sit back in my nerves and anxiety and wonder if I'm doing the right thing.

Making decisions is hard. Sometimes life can be so difficult, you know?