Love rises early in the dark of a still and quiet house,
knowing its own sounds of footsteps softly taken
so as not to waken those whose dreaming sleep
has not yet given way to the duties of the day.
Love rises early.

Love moves quietly in the kitchen,
tending to chores meant to make 
less abrupt for others
the transitions of forming day.
Love moves quietly.

Love works gladly throughout the day,
bending mind and body to the demands of living
and earning a reasonable measure
of the things needed for sustenance and pleasure.
Love works gladly.

Love prays deeply in the quiet moments,
nourishing the spirit in times of peace and plenty
and seized as needed when cares rage beyond expectation,
boldly laying hold of hope and faith and promise.
Love prays deeply.

Love walks calmly in the depths of life,
carries every burden as if a gift,
lifts the limping heart and strengthens the gimping soul,
brings all before the throne of heaven,
and stands its ground in every storm

because love is anchored to the very heart of God. 


H. Arnett
11/4/22