What Do You Celebrate?

            Every year around this time, I feel compelled to write – not about independence but rather about interdependence.

            Many of us take pride in our independence, as a nation and as individuals. But do we often stop to think about how interdependent we are? To varying degrees, we are all dependent on other people, and other people depend on us. That’s interdependence.

            I depend on first responders but hope I don’t have to do it often. I depend on medical professionals, drivers on the road, mechanics, repairmen (and women.) I depend on family members, church leaders and friends, teachers, neighbors. I depend on grocers to carry fresh and safe products, on restaurant workers to prepare and safely handle food, on artists for inspiring creations. Yes, this list could go on and on.

            Dependence doesn’t mean interaction with these folks every day, but it does mean relying on them to be there when we need them.

            I rely on other people for smiles, greetings, kindness.

            In return, I hope there are those who depend on me – at least for something, and I hope I’m reliable and responsive to their needs.

            As a nation, we value our independence. As individuals, many of us claim to be independent, but, as John Donne wrote, “No man is an island….” No man stands alone. Even in our independence, we are most assuredly interdependent.

And isn’t that wonderful?