“Independence” Day

In the US, July 4 is the day we celebrate our independence.

Independence is a big deal in American culture. We get carried away, I think, with the image of the tough, strong, self-reliant individual.

Mostly… it’s a myth.

A few days ago, I encountered my friend Jeff on a bike path. He was serving cyclists at a station for Bike To Work Day.

Jeff had never seen my handcycle, and he seemed impressed by its design. “That machine looks like it takes a lot of maintenance to keep it operating.”

“You have no idea,” I replied, “and my bike is just one example. I’m surrounded by a community of generous people who work hard to help me remain independent.”

He chuckled. “That’s always true, isn’t it? We like to think we’re independent, but it’s an illusion. We all depend on others.”

I thought quite a bit about that brief conversation during my ride.

We weren’t designed for independence. We were created by a Community, for community.

Our claim of self-reliance rebels against our very nature. Our stance of faux independence denies God’s design.

I appreciate the limited political independence I enjoy as an American and those who sacrificed to secure and defend it. I’m grateful for the circle of people who surrounded me with generosity after my injury and who continue to support me and allow me to live somewhat “independently.” I hope I never take any of that for granted.

But, wheelchair or not, none of us is independent.