Some years ago, I served as chaplain in a city-owned long-term care facility. During that time, I developed a weekly program called Coffee with the Chaplain, which many residents came to appreciate. We gathered in the chapel for conversation, with topics limited only by my imagination… and, in retrospect, guided by God’s grace.
One particular gathering stands out in my memory. The topic that day was poetry, specifically the form known as Haiku. This Japanese art form follows a simple structure: three lines of verse arranged in a pattern of 5-7-5 syllables. After introducing Haiku to the group, I offered them a gentle challenge. They were invited to try writing their own Haiku poem and, if they wished, to share it with the group the following week.
I remember leaving that session unsure whether anyone would take up the invitation. But my prayers were met—and surpassed—the next time we gathered. Several residents had written poems and were eager to share them. The experience was rich in every sense. I could see that those who had participated glowed with a deep sense of accomplishment. In that moment, it felt as though God had opened a door that many had not known was still there. I was reminded that creativity does not diminish with age, and that the Spirit continues to stir gifts within us long after the world assumes they have faded.
This brief reflection may inspire you to try your own hand at writing Haiku poetry. I encourage you to do so. You may wish to focus on a particular theme: hope, grace, struggle, love, or simply on the small details of a single day. You might also incorporate prayer into your writing. For example:
“God of the ages, open the eyes of my heart, I pray. Help me to recognize your goodness in the world this day, and by your Spirit, guide my writing as I give you glory.”
In small, quiet acts of creativity, we may discover that God is still speaking… and that we are still being invited to listen.
