There is a strange and loud part of my brain that wants to yell
but that’s not really socially acceptable, so I haven’t. It just seems to me that a lot of people died so we could be independent as a nation and deserve to be honored by a day and not a date. (This probably makes me sound like the jerk I really am deep inside.)
As a 5th generation Texas girl, I know about independence. Every school I attended prior to college was an “ISD.” Locally headed and “don’t think you are going to tell us how to educate our kids…” I could roof a stinkin’ house if I wanted to. I could certainly change my tires. Being “beholden to no one” was definitely a phrase I remember from my youth. It was a lesson I learned well. Even after marriage was a bit reticient (maybe even still some days) about being dependent on anyone. This lack of willingness to be dependent touched all my relationships. Even my relationship with God. Especially that one, perhaps.
When I arrived upon the concept of being interdependent, the lightbulb in my head exploded. THIS was right. Yes, I need to take care of my stuff so that I can help others. But, I need to be willing to be helped. Having back surgeries and being completely drained in ministry taught me this concept in vivo.
I am thankful to have (begun to) learn this lesson. It has greatly improved my relationships. All of them. Most days, I still am inclined to do it alone. I am much more willing to be helped and much more willing to allow others behind my walls.
As we think of independence today, and I am so grateful for this, consider that there is a strong need for INTERdependence in your life as well. God made us to need each other. When we deny this, so much goes wrong. Even when it hurts to lean on others. Even when others fail us. Interdependence is the key to a more fulfilled life. It certainly has been for me.
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