“And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here.”
~St. Augustine
This Sunday morning found us at the Vilano Beach Easter Sunrise Service, sponsored by The Church at Vilano. This was the first time we’ve attended a sunrise service at the beach on Easter. The folks at the church did a wonderful job setting up the beach location and the temperature was very pleasant. The program included a beautiful interpretive dance by Maggie Onimus followed by inspirational music, scripture readings and message by Reverend Sam Schlegel.
This special day began with a beautiful sunrise over the ocean. The clouds were especially nice and allowed for some wonderful colors in the sky. The Cross above was shot shortly after the sun had risen above the clouds, and, for a few moments, the sky had a gorgeous golden red tint. Shortly before the sunrise, during the magic moment when the soft light is just appearing in the sky and the colors can be most dramatic, we spotted a father and son overlooking the ocean. With the Cross in the foreground, this became a spectacular and heart-felt visual.
An aspect that has become more apparent as we’ve gotten older (and wiser?) is that each day is an opportunity for rebirth. A personal resurrection. That’s one of the primary motivations we have on waking up early throughout the month and celebrate the day with a sunrise. It’s a reminder to enjoy and celebrate the day and to realize that that day has the potential to change our lives. That message is especially potent on Easter.
