It rained at our house on the Fourth of July. But not as much as it did at this mud-eo a few years back in Drummond, Montana. Only once have I seen a rodeo canceled due to weather, but I guess standing water in the arena would do it.

Regardless of the time of year, there is always a lot of red, white and blue at a rodeo. Patriotic people, those cowboys and cowgirls. But sometimes independence isn’t what they’re looking for.

Independence is great when it comes to governments, kings and countries. But you won’t find an independent-minded bull rider at a rodeo. Each cowboy depends on the bullfighter to get him out of a jackpot, or to be close by in case of a hang-up.

Aren’t we the same? Not quite as self-sufficient as we’d like to think?

I’m grateful for my independence—for liberty, for freedom. But I’m also grateful that I can depend upon my husband, family and friends. I’m thankful I can depend on law enforcement and first responders if I get in a storm.

But above all, I’m dependent upon God for His faithfulness, mercy and blessings.

Jesus said there would be a few hang-ups in life. But He encouraged us to not lose heart because He has overcome everything there is to overcome. I’m dependent upon Him for that.

We have much to be thankful for in this nation, and it’s not just independence. Let’s be sure to thank our God and the men and women around us upon whom we depend to keep our country, our homes and ourselves safe and free.

Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.

Psalm 16:1 NIV