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Good morning. Today Americans will be celebrating Independence Day or ‘rebellion day’ as one of my British friends laughingly called it.  As a child growing up in the states this was always a time for picnics, parades and fireworks.  Originally this public holiday marked the declaration of independence of the United States on 4th July 1776.  Freedom, however, was never something mentioned in our family celebrations. I suppose independence was something we took for granted. 
The truth is, of course, no one is completely independent. This lesson was brought home to me many years ago when I was a student living in a block of flats. I came out to my car one day and found that I had a flat tyre. I had never changed a tyre, but I found all the tools and the spare and was quite determined that I would do this myself. Just as I began to read the instruction manual, a neighbour, Amos Lee, came by and offered to do it for me. Gratefully, I watched as he quickly put the spare tyre in place.  I thanked him, he smiled and left.  Later, I saw his wife, Ruth, and told her how much I appreciated his help. Anytime you need us Karen, she said you just knock on the door. I knew she meant it. I also realised how hard it would be for me to ever ask for help.
In the Bible, we find the commandment, ‘Love one another’. It’s a call to care and share, but above all to remember that we are born to be in relationship. While at times it may be difficult for us to admit, we are not and never will be completely independent. As nations or as individuals, we all need one another. 
Lord, be especially close to those who are afraid to ask for help today. Show us how we are to love, even as you have loved us. Amen.Good morning. Today Americans will be celebrating Independence Day or ‘rebellion day’ as one of my British friends laughingly called it.  As a child growing up in the states this was always a time for picnics, parades and fireworks.  Originally this public holiday marked the declaration of independence of the United States on 4th July 1776.  Freedom, however, was never something mentioned in our family celebrations. I suppose independence was something we took for granted. 
The truth is, of course, no one is completely independent. This lesson was brought home to me many years ago when I was a student living in a block of flats. I came out to my car one day and found that I had a flat tyre. I had never changed a tyre, but I found all the tools and the spare and was quite determined that I would do this myself. Just as I began to read the instruction manual, a neighbour, Amos Lee, came by and offered to do it for me. Gratefully, I watched as he quickly put the spare tyre in place.  I thanked him, he smiled and left.  Later, I saw his wife, Ruth, and told her how much I appreciated his help. Anytime you need us Karen, she said you just knock on the door. I knew she meant it. I also realised how hard it would be for me to ever ask for help.
In the Bible, we find the commandment, ‘Love one another’. It’s a call to care and share, but above all to remember that we are born to be in relationship. While at times it may be difficult for us to admit, we are not and never will be completely independent. As nations or as individuals, we all need one another. 
Lord, be especially close to those who are afraid to ask for help today. Show us how we are to love, even as you have loved us. Amen.