Joyful Chaos
Long before I had kids, when I was the 21 year old college graduate who knew everything, I had the privilege of being welcomed into the homes and lives of several families in the Seattle area--most of whom I knew through our wonderful church community. Here I was single, living with amazing friends, working some retail and some nanny jobs, trying to figure out what in the world one can do with a bachelors degree in Christian Ministry (hint: the answer is work retail, be a nanny or go to graduate school). These families I baby sat for were so gracious to me. They didn’t just see their role in my life as that of employer. Every time they came home from wherever they’d been they would make time to sit down and ask me what was new in my life. They’d ask about classes, boys, my role at church, my friends and my future plans. They let me ask questions about their kids and parenting and marriage. If I was struggling they’d pray with me, taking the time to encourage me in whatever spot in life I was in. And every so often I’d get a call or an email inviting me to come join them for dinner next Saturday or an invitation to come for lunch after church on Sunday or meet for a walk around Greenlake and a cup of coffee. These women didn’t just treat me like their kid’s babysitter, they took the time to invest in me and mentor me.
I’d show up at their homes for dinner and the kids would be jumping around, vying for my attention all at once. My friend Michelle always used to say “welcome to our joyful chaos!” when I would walk in the door. They didn’t try to be perfect or have everything perfectly cleaned or tables perfectly set. I was simply invited into their lives—loud, exuberant and full of so much joy. Someone would pour me a small glass of wine and music would be playing in the background. They’d invite me into whatever meal time tradition their families had—prayers, songs, offering words of what we’re thankful for and then we’d eat together. We’d help kids cut bites of food, pass more bread to the one who wouldn’t eat the meat and mop up spilled drinks. The kids would finish quickly and scamper off to play as my plate was filled a second time and I was fed until I was stuffed—savoring the fact that it wasn’t a cafeteria meal or a meal of convenience foods I was cooking for myself. I was invited to these tables dozens of times over my years in Seattle—as a college student and in the years immediately following, and every time I re-visit this city I love I do everything I can to squeeze in time with each of these precious families.
They gave me a gift during those years I didn’t even know I needed: the gift of family when mine was so far away. The gift of adopted moms and dads and little brothers and sisters. These families loved Jesus and took seriously His call to practice hospitality. As I think about my own community I find myself asking the question—who around me needs the gift of a family for a season? Who needs to be invited into some joyful chaos at my own table? Who already babysits for us that could use an invitation to stay longer and be part of our dinner table? Some of us feel like our lives are chaotic—dinner time feels like the craziest part of our day, there’s no way we could comfortable invite others into that. For those who are feeling that way, let me gently invite us to consider following in my friend Michelle’s footsteps. Throw open your door, greet your guest with a grin and simply say “welcome to our joyful chaos, we’re glad you’re here!”
Today's recipe is from my dear friend Michelle, who so graciously opened her home and it's joyful chaos to me over and over again throughout my early 20s. When I got married she gave me a big soup pot and some of her favorite recipes. I love this one because literally everything is dumped in a crock pot and you walk away for 6 hours. It's warm, flavorful and delicious with the toppings. Grab some good crusty bread and dip away!
Michelle's Crock Pot Tortilla Soup
1 12 oz can of diced chicken, drained (or chicken from a rotisserie chicken, whichever you have on hand)
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cans black beans, drained
2 cans chicken broth
1 can corn, drained
2 cups salsa
1 diced zucchini
1/2 onion diced
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
1 lime
1 TBSP olive oil
Grated cheese
Tortilla chips
Avocado slices
Directions: Combine all ingredients except cheese, chips and avocado in the crock pot. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8. Top with cheese, chips, avocado, sour cream—whatever sounds good!
