Brent introduced the word to our Washington church family several years ago (from a book he was reading). And now “chaordic” is one of our family’s favorite words. We probably like it because it describes so much of our family life. I like it because it’s one of those paradoxical kind of words. And if you know me, you know how I love paradox!

If ever there was chaos, it’s got to be a holiday season in which there’s the added bonus of a big event … like a WEDDING! So much planning and preparing. Certainly, those orderly check-off lists and detailed instructions are essential and beneficial. In the morning when my mind is running wild with my long To Do List, I also know that the busyness means that the checklist is getting completed. Helpful friends and family are priceless during these days! And what’s out of my control is, well, out of my control. As we all know “the best-laid plans of mice and men …” and all that. So, yes, clearly the most recent chaordic season has begun for the Reeves family.

But deep in my heart thanksgiving abounds. 
True and heartfelt thanksgiving to the God who saves and sustains us flows out through songs and prayers during these days. I’m thankful that I have this present week … the quiet before the storm. The order before the chaos. Although it’s not a typical Thanksgiving week around here, it’s good. It’s actually very good. I’m planning to take some time to rest and enjoy this uneventful week before we really ramp up the wedding plans and people begin to come and go. I’m missing some sweet faces of three precious little boys this week, but I realize that God in His wisdom gave me a gift of quiet this week. Being able to enjoy some relaxing mornings with my cup of coffee is a delightful reprieve from the normal busyness of a holiday week. And knowing that Brent and Josh will have a couple of days to veg in front of the TV watching football blesses my heart.

In a few weeks our family of six expands again. But not in number really … just in people. And in pictures. And in chaos. 🙂
You see, we are still a family of six because when our oldest daughter Amanda married Erik, they became one. He became one of us and Amanda became one of them. The Reeves family will never exist as it did before. It is a new creation. And in a few weeks it will be recreated again. When Kyle and Nat join together, our family will remain as six and yet we will be eight. I’m blessed beyond measure that God created something new in our lives when He joined together Amerika (Amanda and Erik) and will continue creating us when He joins together Kyna (Kyle and Nat). And what God joins together … well, it should stay together. I am so thankful that our family continues to expand. With each expansion and change we are also becoming more complete. God’s purpose is discovered more and more as our family divides and multiplies.

So let the ordered chaos commence. And as Madame Blueberry learned from Junior Asparagus, the song should never end:

For the air that I breathe, for my friends and family –
That’s why I say thanks every day!
For the chance for some rest, for the ways that I am blessed.
That’s why we say thanks everyday.
For a thankful heart is a happy heart!
I’m glad for what I have, that’s an easy way to start.
For the love that He shares as He listens to my prayers –
that’s why I say thanks everyday!