Growing up, we went to church as a family, until my sister and I started going to church with some of the neighbors. My parents did their thing and we did ours. Everyone was happy, but on Easter, it was a different story. We use to wake up before the crack of dawn, throw on a bathing suit, towel in hand (beach chairs for my parents), and head to the beach for Sunrise Service. People came from all over to attend service on Siesta Beach (which by the way was ranked 4th best beach while I was growing up.) It was warm, peaceful, calming, and one would feel connected to something, even if it was only for 15 minutes. Service was always light hearted and usually relative quick. I can't remember service lasting for longer than 30 minutes. All in all, it is exactly how I wish all religious services should be...light, informative, quick and OUTDOORS.
This is a picture of what I always remember sunrise service to be like. Being a Floridian, no matter how far I lived from the beach, we always went. I'd practically fall asleep on the beach as soon as the service was concluded. What better place to sleep then on the sand?
Well this year, it was a little different. I had heard how magical the sunrise at red rocks was, so of course, being new the to area, I had to check it out for myself. Who cares that I had to be there at 4:30 to get a parking spot (we were in the first row by the way)? Who cares that we got snow last night? Who cares that it was 26 degrees when the sun came up? Being Easter morning, I had to go sunrise service, no matter what the temperature.
So, Mr. T and I, stayed up all night and headed to pick up my friends who were going to go with us to Sunrise Service. We called three times, and of course they were sleeping. Big shock as it was 3:15 in the morning. Thats okay, Mr. T and I meandered our way into the mountains, lucky for me, he was driving I was trying to pound my redbull to wake up. It wasn't helping, I was fading and fading fast. We stop for coffee, I didn't have any as my heart probably would have jumped from my chest if I had anymore coffee, but Mr. T got some and he was content. We pull into the parking lot at Red Rocks around 4:35. Yep, we really did have a front row parking spot...good for us! Then we started making the HIKE, and I mean HIKE to the outside theater. It was straight up hill! I was boiling by the time I got there, and out of breath for that matter. I wanted to start shredding off at least one maybe two of the six layers I had on, but I knew better. I kept them on and began to wait. We waited for 2 hours in the cold, as the people slowly started to straggle in. It was as if time stood still. That could have possibly been the longest two hours, in the history of time.
Right before the service started, I looked over at Mr. T, and said next year when I say this sounds like a good idea, remind how much fun I had. He just chuckled, and said deal! I was frozen! I was loosing feeling in my toes, my hands were numb, and the people around us were annoying. Annoying is an understatement. The kids were cold and cranky, most parents didn't bring anything to entertain the child for a two hour span as we waited for service to begin at 6:30. People weren't overly friendly, but how could they be, everyone was trying desperately to stay warm.
I knew we were off to rough start, they opened the service with about five different songs. Hello, I was cold as was everyone else, that last thing we needed was to stay outside a little longer, listening to a terrible (I mean really terrible) choir. Well, choir might be the wrong word, as their were only five of them, but still it was more then a band. Remember, I am use to warm, quick, and light Easter Service. I was in for a real treat today, because the service that I was attending wasn't anything of the sorts.
The view was absolutely breath taking. I could definitely feel the presence of the higher power. I was thrilled that I did it, and thrilled that Mr. T got some good pictures (I will post them later), but that is the last time in my life, I ever sit out in the 26 degrees or lower temperatures for 2 hours, waiting on a religious service to begin. Especially, one that with that much music. I was even less amused, when Mr. T looked at me and said, "did you know there is a live feed on the internet for people that wanted watch/listen to Sunrise Service, without coming out here?" I wanted to lean over and deck him, but I didn't, I just laughed and responded with "gee, thanks for the information!" I was not amused at all. I came to be inspired, to reach out and feel the stronger power. Hey, we all go to church for different reasons, so no harassing me about why I go or don't go on a more frequent basis. I am cool with it, so let it be. Unfortunately, the only inspiration I got was how to beat the traffic. All in all, it was a let down, but at least I can say I did it!
I was also unhappy with the pastor/preacher/minister (insert your own title if you prefer a different one), when it came time for the offering. He said something to the effect of, "we need your donations, but a donation of 5 dollars just isn't cutting it. We need you to all put in 20 dollars or more." Mr. T. and I looked at each other in utter disbelief. Did we really just hear him say that? I couldn't believe it. Never in my life, have I heard a pastor/preacher/minister make a statement like that. I was saddened for his congregation, for the people that can only give 5 dollars, and for fool that he was making himself.
Trust me when I tell you, that this was my first and last Sunrise Service in the snow! Once, I upload my pictures, I will be sure to post them. There are a few beauties. Hope you all had an enjoyable Easter. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. :)
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