Culture teaches us to value independence and self-sufficiency. Faith teaches us reliance on God and interdependence with others.

Joan Chittister writes, “It is our need for one another that teaches us our need for God. It is our down-deep incompleteness that cries out all the days of our lives to be completed – by those around us, by God. We must pray for the humility it takes to find our wholeness in our littleness.”

Today, notice your “littleness” and your “incompleteness”. Each time you need another person give thanks to God for the gifts they offer. Each time you think you are being independent or self-sufficient, pause and remind yourself of your need of God.