Easter Sunday Memories

I woke up this morning in anticipation of the lovely Easter brunch I will consume at Biltmore Estate.  Then my thoughts shifted to my father.   Some of my best memories are spending time with my father on Easter Sunday.  Almost every Easter morning, weather permitting, he and I would rise  before dawn, put on warm clothes and walk to our church which was about a mile from our home. I was never sure why we didn't drive, but I figured it was a tribute to Jesus.  After all if he was crucified on a cross for us, the least we could do is suffer a little by walking rather than driving.  Now that I am older, I realize it was probably because it was a good way for us to spend time together and he was building a memory for both of us.   Once we arrived at our church, we would board a van that took us to my grandparents' church which happened to have the most glorious view of the sunrise.  We went to a Southern Baptist church and my grandparents went to a Methodist church.  It was not lost on me that there were differences in the 2 denominations, although I didn't understand the specifics and didn't care to.  Since the two churches didn't seem to mind sharing and celebrating the most significant day in the life of Jesus, I felt for the most part, everyone was on the same page.

For those of you who have never experienced an Easter Sunrise service, it really is a special event that feels different from your typical Sunday morning service. For one, the sermon is quite short, there is usually only 2 songs and 2 prayers.  20 minutes tops!  The change in venue, the coming together of different congregations, and the emotional impact of honoring Jesus' sacrifice made this service something I looked forward to every year.  I remember feeling that every church service should pack such punch in such a short duration.  Kids and adults alike usually don't have an attention span much longer than this anyway!  After the service we would make our way to the fellowship hall where coffee, hot chocolate and donuts were waiting!

The back drop of the sun rising over the rolling hills of Kentucky is magnificent.  The brisk air on my face, being able to see my breath  and the fact that my Granddaddy was there too was a nice way to start the morning.  But the fact that my dad and I were continuing a tradition that was just ours and ours alone is my favorite memory because it made me feel special.