Shortly before sunrise this morning... 6 a.m. to be exact, three bleary-eyed but glad-we-decided-to-do-this bodies inhaled deeply the fresh moisture-laden air and listened to the birds' chorus waiting for an outdoor Easter service to begin. Dick, our daughter Jessie, and I chose to begin Easter Day at a park in Eustis, Florida a few minutes away from the town where Jessie resides. The service began with the most amazing artist, whose work was projected onto a huge screen set up on an outdoor stage. In fluid ballet-like movements, he guided his hands and fingers across a glass surface sprinkled with a black powder creating detailed scenes that depicted Jesus journey in the final days of His life on Earth leading up to His crucifiction through resurrection. The process was much like finger painting, but the black powder produced realistic shadows and depth in faces and the landscape. When the retelling of one portion of the story was complete, the artist tossed a handful of black powder over the glass surface obliterating the scene so he could begin anew. Coupled with the captivating visual presentation, powerful background music further enhanced the emotion-filled retelling. Jessie's research turned up a segment of "The Passion" performance, that we saw at the sunrise service, on YouTube by Joe Castillo with music by John Debmey. Here's also a narrated version. I strongly urge you to suggest to your pastor that the full performance be shown at your church on Easter Sunday next year... powerful. That's all I can say.
Since our day literally began at the crack of dawn, by 11:30 a.m. we had attended a memorable Easter service, biked 11.5 miles along the most beautiful lake in the coolness of the morning, and stopped to eat a picnic lunch at a park. We also made note of a coffee shop and a small town cafe in Eustis (Florida) that will be included in future bike trips.
I took one look at the silly putty "flowing" out of its capsule and thought it looked like a cracked egg, so it became a reminder that this season is one of new life bursting forth in nature all around us... of rebirth...of joy in knowing that Jesus suffered and died on the cross for our sins so that, on this day we call Easter Sunday... and throughout the year, we may celebrate the gift of eternal life.
April 12, 2009
Today's mileage: 11.5 mile bike ride
Total mileage for April: 50.25 miles
Bible reading? Yes.