Dear Sonrise Families,
Sonrise has been a place that I have called home for 13 years now. I am a Sonrise alumni and began attending in first grade. Little did I know that God would call me back to work in daycare and the summer program for five years. On top of that, I never imagined that I would become the Physical Education teacher at the school I was raised in. It has been such a tremendous blessing that not so long ago I was a student here and now have come full circle, teaching the students of Sonrise Christian and working alongside some of my most respected mentors. So, it is bittersweet to begin the process of letting students know I will be moving on in February. Change is never easy but it seems everything worthy of our efforts has growing pains. James 1:2 - 3 tells us to, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Jesus' peace is truly the treasure of all treasures and the most costly gift we'll ever receive. He purchased this peace for you and me with His blood and we receive it by trusting Him in the midst of life's storms. When everything is going our way, it is easy to not seek His peace. Then all of a sudden, life throws us a curveball. A loved one gets sick. You experience financial hardship. A friend betrays you. The things you felt secure in, all of a sudden feel uncertain. It is much harder to thank Him when things do not go our way, but if our eyes are open to the spiritual blessings that are oftentimes wrapped in trials, our perspective would likely be so different. Although it's hard to consider, trials are meant to build our faith and strengthen us spiritually. In the midst of life's storms, focus on His everlasting peace, knowing He has overcome the world.
-Mr. Anthony