Dear Sonrise Family,
Every year for the last 8 years, I have had the privilege and honor of being involved in our Veterans Day Ceremony. We will typically do this around the holiday, and it is one of my favorite events of the entire school year. We have the opportunity to pay our respects to those that have served or are currently serving our country. Each year, I try to focus on sacrifice and how God is speaking to me. I don't ever want this idea to pass me by. Our faith as Christians is built on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and putting the needs of others before your own is the most fundamental aspect of what it means to be a Christian.
My grandfather served in the Army in the Korean war, as did Mrs. Walulik's father. My grandfather passed away in 2019, and Mrs. Walulik's father passed away last month. Both of these men continued to live their lives in service long after their military careers were finished. Allen Dimick worked with Habitat for Humanity, always finding ways to use his skills to help those in need. My grandfather volunteered his services as an electrical worker at his church, for friends, and anyone that needed help. These men did not simply sign up to serve, do their time, and move on with their lives. They committed their lives to service and sacrifice. And while neither were perfect, they are examples to us of not placing one's needs above the needs of others.
As we honor our veterans this week and next, I encourage you to allow their commitments to serve to inspire you to serve others wherever God has placed you. Each of us has our own opportunities God has handed to us --in our home, at work, at our child's school, and many more. Service does not always look the same, but Matthew 22:39 makes it clear that we are to love others as ourselves. I pray we can all find ways to do this.
God Bless,
Mr. Wheeler