<\/p>\n
\u201cExtreme independence is as destructive to a relationship as total dependence\u201d (James C. Dobson).<\/p>\n
INTERDEPENDENCE IS A HIGHER VALUE THAN INDEPENDENCE. If we can\u2019t see that, perhaps we\u2019ve been confused more than we realize by the various misconceptions of independence that are so much in vogue today. Yet misguided independence can hurt us every bit as much as the unhealthy dependence which we\u2019re so eager to avoid.<\/p>\n
Interdependence is a cooperative relationship in which individuals yield some of their independence to others in a relationship for the purpose of achieving a mutual goal or realizing a shared vision. It involves trust, commitments, and collaboration, and it\u2019s based on the understanding that the great challenges of life call for a bit of \u201ctogether\u201d work now and then. Interdependence produces what has been called \u201csynergy,\u201d an effect produced by the joint action of two or more people which each would be incapable of producing individually. One person brings to the work certain qualities or abilities, others are supplied by another person, etc. \u2014 and in the end, a result is reached that marvelously multiplies what any of the parties could have created alone. So interdependence goes beyond independence. To the courage<\/em> of independence, interdependence adds humility<\/em> \u2014 the humility to recognize when we can do more together than we can do separately.<\/p>\n Interdependence, as many have noted, is a choice that only independent people can make. It requires a strength of character not possessed by those who are still bogged down in blaming and evasion of responsibility. So if we\u2019ve outgrown dependence<\/em> and come to see the value of independence,<\/em> that\u2019s good. But it\u2019s even better if we\u2019ve come to appreciate the synergistic power of interdependence.<\/em> Indeed, one of the major measures of our personal maturity is the extent to which we\u2019ve learned to live and work interdependently. If we\u2019re not there yet, we should at least make sure that we\u2019re growing in that direction!<\/p>\n \u201cOn the maturity continuum, dependence<\/em> is the paradigm of you<\/em> \u2014 you<\/em> take care of me; you<\/em> come through for me; you<\/em> didn\u2019t come through; I blame you<\/em> for the results . . . Independence<\/em> is the paradigm of I<\/em> \u2014 I<\/em> can do it; I<\/em> am responsible; I<\/em> am self-reliant; I<\/em> can choose . . . Interdependence<\/em> is the paradigm of we<\/em> \u2014 we<\/em> can do it; we<\/em> can cooperate; we<\/em> can combine our talents and abilities and create something greater together\u201d (Stephen R. Covey).<\/p>\n Gary Henry \u2013 WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com<\/p>\n