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When the Alarm Sounds- a poem by Lori Luhrman


When the Alarm Sounds

 The sun came up again today,
Its colors bled through the blinds
And into my weary sleep-filled eyes.
“What will it be today?” I groaned.
Diapers. Bread-making. The same old thing.
All day I toiled, in a race with the sun.
Who will reach the finish line first?
Exhaustion in my voice, a weight about my feet,
I sputtered and slowed, ground to a halt.
The sun sank too completing its work;
But it fared far better than me,
Exuding colors deep and rich—
Almost as if it saved its best for last.

 A majestic thing happened today: a sunrise,
The pink so innocent and promising,
Manna for my soul, a light to my eyes.
“What will it be today?” I asked with bated breath.
Diapers. Bread-making. Miracles.
All day I trusted in my companion, the sun,
Savored the day’s adventure with him by my side.
Exhaustion in my voice, a pleasant heaviness in my limbs,
The sun and I coasted toward the finish line,
Victory on our minds.
A peace descended, enfolded me in its warmth,
And I said to the sun—
“Until tomorrow, my friend.”

 (Inspired by Philippians 4:4-7; Psalm 136; and “The Quotidian Mysteries” by Kathleen Norris)


Lori and her husband, Chris, have been members of Northside Church for a little over two years. She attempts working from home while being a mom to Aliana, Matias, and a cat named Dobby. Lori particularly enjoys Northside Church because "everyone there feels like family." 



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