Declaration of Dependence

Today our nation celebrates it’s independence; I want to celebrate my dependence.

I’m dependent upon my God for all that I have. Every breathe, every heartbeat, every sunrise & sunset is gift from above. More than that, I have a God that loves me with a perfect, unfailing love that knows no limit. I am completely dependent on that love for any faith, hope or love of my own. I am utterly dependent on God’s grace to give me life, not just physical life, but real life in Him that will never die.

I’m dependent upon my wife for making and keeping me the man I am today; for making me complete. Lisa’s been at her parents’ house for a couple days and it has made me realize how much I love & need her. She is my soul mate. I don’t sleep as well when she’s not in the bed. I feel that part of me is missing. I depend on her to make me the whole person I am.
I depend on my girls to make me a better dad, and to better understand the Father’s love for me. I depend on them to bring me joy and make me proud. I depend on them to teach me how to love like the Father and how to receive unconditional love. I depend on them to make me laugh and to make me smile.

I depend on the Church and my church to help me live out my walk with God. I learn the value, joy and hardship of being in communion with others. I see the diversity of God while at the same time see his unity as well. I’ve depended on the Church to carry on the teachings and truths of Christ, to give me the scriptures and traditions (good & bad) to learn from. I depend on those who have gone before me, like Francis of Assisi, to give me an example to follow of how to be a good disciple.

I depend on my nation and various levels of government to provide safety and security for my family, and for financial stability. While I know that it is God whom I ultimately trust for these things, I recognize that he uses earthly government to bring these things about too.
I’m glad to have freedom, but I’m grateful to be dependent.