My wife and I recently visited the museum about President John F Kennedy’s life and death in the building from which he was shot and killed in Dallas. Kennedy’s courage and willingness to embrace his responsibility to serve his country was impressive. Kennedy served in the navy and heroically rescued his ten-person crew when the vessel he was commanding was destroyed.

He served in various public positions before being elected President of the United States in 1960. His inaugural address included the famous quote “ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” In that speech the president welcomed the people to ask of their government the same strength and sacrifice he was asking of them.

He called our great wealthy country to change our way of thinking and living and give back to those in our country and elsewhere. Kennedy called on our military to risk their lives to ensure that James Meredith could exercise his right to enroll at the University of Mississippi. Kennedy also started the Peace Corps, offering talented men and women the opportunity to use their skills to aid in bringing progress and peace to developing nations.

This year I feel God leading us to get ready for his service, to equip ourselves to care for each other and those in our communities. All year I’ll be asking the question: are you ready for service? Hopefully, throughout the year, each time I ask, we’ll all move closer and closer toward answering “yes.” Let’s get ready, United!