I probably should not admit it but – I forgot it was Easter Sunday today.

I went to the beach this morning to watch the Sunrise over the ocean, to my surprise I was not alone. I got there a few minutes after 5am, actual sun rise was not until 7:03 but the 2 hours before are more incredible than the sun actually breaking the horizon. I have a specific spot I like to sit, in the dunes amongst the reeds and saw grass, so got my injection molded plastic Adirondack style chair that I purchased at Publix for 18 bucks arranged it just so on top of the dune and settled in with my coffee. My spot is straight off the end of Atlantic boulevard and about 50 feet to the north. Well I had been there only 15 minutes and I saw someone else walking out onto the beach, I was a bit surprised to see someone so early. It was nearly a full moon so after just a few minutes my eyes had acclimated and I could see clearly. There was also a sun umbrella and some lounge chairs scattered about. The person who walked out quickly turned around and headed back to way he came, secretly I was glad he left as I do not like to share my spot. I realize it is not my beach but all the same I like to watch the sun come up without having to worry what someone else, in close proximity, may be up to.

So it was only about 5 minutes later my early morning friend was back with 3 of his buddies and they had flashlights and they were carrying what looked like a huge platform, I was intrigued. So these guys made at least three trips carrying items out close to the surf. I was thinking maybe a photo shoot, I had seen that out here before. Once they started setting things up I could tell that it was going to be something with speakers, they were mounted on portable stands about 15 feet on either side of what turned out to be the stage. I was at a loss, maybe a radio show, maybe a concert I could not figure it out and was getting frustrated because they were distracting me from the majesty of the sunrise. By 5:45 there were at least 10 people out there, I do not think they noticed me sitting amongst the dunes and if they did it did not phase them for me to be there. By 6 there were at least 25 people sitting around and it still had not dawned on me, by 6:15 and after the arrival of at least 25-30 more people it hit me, Easter sunrise service on the beach – how cool is that I thought.

By the time the Preacher, Pastor, Reverend, Father or like I call them “the sermon giver” stood up there were literally hundreds of people scattered all over the beach and dunes. It was about 6:40 when she started her sermon, she was eloquent and impassioned throughout and worked the crowd like a seasoned professional. Before long we were all singing and hollering Amen, we had to holler because the wind was whipping down from the northeast. I am not what one would call a religious person but it was hard not to get caught up in the crowds enthusiasm. She gave a rousing sermon about the death of Jesus and the role Mary Magdalene and the disciples played. My irritation at having my space violated was gone and I enjoyed the service. I am not one who needs protection from religion or religious ceremonies like some on our country do and I can just enjoy being with people who obvious believe and are actively engaged in their faith. Being actively engaged in your beliefs, whatever they might be, I think is the part that a lot of people miss, at least that has been my experience.

It does not matter what you believe, being able to believe it without interference from other people or the government is a right that we all have as Americans. We Americans take that granted, having been around the world and seen oppressed and repressed people in many different societies I know we Americans are lucky to have been born in this country. Without the freedom of religion a society is not truly free. It saddens me that we have come to the point that we feel we need protection from religion, kids can’t say a prayer at graduation, we scrutinize our Politian’s beliefs and the list goes on – why do we do that? Are we so scared that they may be right, are we just that intolerant of something someone else believes, are we hypocrites of the highest order? I do not have any of those answers but I am going to continue to strive to be more tolerant of others religious beliefs, political affiliations, their personal needs and desires and the way others may decide to lead their life. I think that is what religion and spirituality is really, getting along with and helping our fellow man get through their day because that shows who we are, who we really are at our core and not the façade a lot of people throw up in a hypocritical attempt to prove who they are to others. Actually being the better person is important, not just someone who talks about it.

I hope everyone enjoys Easter Sunday, here is a glimpse of the sunrise over the Atlantic ocean this morning at 7:05.