Independence Day

This morning I woke up with a view of the ocean and reflected on my independence.  It's such an amazing thing and I am clueless as to life without it.  And yet, I can see how in some ways I've taken my independence too far.  It can be a great temptation, to be independent.  So often I've been described as being independent and I've taken it as a compliment, but how often has my independence driven others away?  "If you want something done right, do it yourself," is a favorite expression of mine.  So what does that mean, I'm better than everyone else?  I don't need anyone's help?  I can do it all myself???  Ah, vanity...

To depend on others is to recognize their strengths.  In doing that we recognize our weaknesses.  It's humbling to admit someone is stronger than you in someway and to ask for help.  Humility isn't something Americans in general strive to achieve and I am certainly not one to ask for help.  And yet we know we are stronger when united, when each person can use their strengths to achieve a better situation for the whole group.  Community living depends on the whole community working together, be it a family, a few roommates, or a group of missionaries.

I'm spending my last quiet, relaxing weekend for a looooooong time at my favorite little bay.  Last night, after a few days of plans and parties, I asked my parents, "what's on the agenda tomorrow?"  "Nothing," they replied.  Ahhhh!  What bliss!  What a fabulous way to celebrate our Independence Day.  So I'll swim in the ocean, visit with my folks, eat shrimp tacos and drink cold beer because next week when I arrive in Brazil with the vocabulary of a 2-year-old with only the memory of my comfort zone, I will check my ego at the door, and learn to love not being so independent.  There my new favorite phrase will be "Me ajuda, por favor!"

Happy Independence Day!