‘Our reality is narrow, confined, and fleeting. Whatever we think is important right now, in our mundane lives, will no longer be important against a grander sense of time and place.’ (Liu Cixin) I think you could say we’re a family with an international outlook. My parents travelled extensively around the world and have touched most continents. My older brother lived in Brunei, married a Malaysian woman and has visited almost every country in Asia. My sister lived in Germany, mixes with friends from different countries and travels frequently to Spain to do salsa dancing. My younger brother ran a charity for and in Romania, did a medical mission in remote areas of the Amazon jungle and works in Dubai. I’ve been interested in different languages and cultures from childhood, have worked in 15 countries and have visited, have friends in and have worked with people from a lot more. I watch almost exclusively international news, pay special attention to South-East Asia and my home is adorned with globes and colourful maps. Much of my life has been preoccupied with the Nazis and how to use my own life to help avoid anything like such horrific atrocities ever happening again. Against this backdrop, my own coach, Sue, posed two interesting challenges recently: ‘What’s it like to spend so much of your life – mentally, emotionally and spiritually – overseas with the poor and vulnerable in far-flung places yet to be, physically, here in the UK?’ and, ‘What’s it like to spend so much of your life – mentally, emotionally and spiritually – in World War 2 yet to be, physically, here and now?’ What great questions. They resonate profoundly, for me, with what it is to be a follower of Jesus – a deep dissonance that arises from being in this world, yet in some mysterious way being not of this world. Existentially, it’s a kind of dislocation that, a bit like for Third Culture Kids (TCK), creates a sense of being a child of everywhere yet, somehow, not a child of anywhere – at least in this lifetime. I often feel more at home when I’m away from home, a paradoxical dynamic that both draws and propels me into different times and places and to seek out God, diversity and change. It means being a traveller, not a settler, and has influenced every facet of my entire life, work and relationships.
14 Comments
Sue Murkin
4/9/2023 09:32:01 am
Love this blog Nick! Feels like there is more ‘in there’ too!
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Nick Wright
4/9/2023 10:31:52 am
Thanks, Sue - and for posing such provocative questions in our coaching sessions together!
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Alice Graham
4/9/2023 10:34:44 am
Hi Nick. I was surprised and not surprised to read what you shared here. Surprised because one of your wonderful gifts is your powerful presence when you meet with people and groups. Not surprised because your love for the poor shines through your life!
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Nick Wright
4/9/2023 10:48:05 am
Thanks for your kind feedback, Alice. Yes, you made me think. People often comment on my 'presence' and I feel it when I'm with people and groups too. I think, perhaps, my attention defaults to 'there and then' when I'm not focused in a particular place, moment and relationship.
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Jasmin
5/9/2023 04:56:40 pm
A family is a place of forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 says to "bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.".
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Nick Wright
5/9/2023 04:58:55 pm
Thank you for sharing those thoughts and inspirations, Jasmin. I expect to finish the race before you. Our lives are in God's hands.
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Jasmin
5/9/2023 11:58:26 pm
Parable of the Ten Virgins – Matthew 25:1-13
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Nick Wright
12/9/2023 11:18:23 am
Thank you, Jasmin. You are very kind…and I don’t know what to say. Thank you…and thank you, God. 🙏🙏🙏
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Dave Marriot
4/10/2023 06:25:17 pm
Wow - I wish I had your international experience Nick. What a life you have lived!!
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Nick Wright
4/10/2023 06:26:22 pm
Hi Dave. I've certainly lived a privileged life. I give thanks to God for it. He is amazing.
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ManyMangoes
17/2/2024 10:46:31 pm
Absolutely loving the global perspective here! 🌍 Remember what Mark Twain said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." Your post truly captures the essence of exploring the existential side of our world. Keep inspiring! ✨🚀
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Nick Wright
17/2/2024 10:48:39 pm
Thanks ManyMangoes. I love that quotation from Mark Twain. I hadn’t heard that before. Thank you for sharing…and for your kind words of encouragement. ✨
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Treegens
24/2/2024 03:57:21 pm
Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world." 🌍✨ Howard Zinn's words remind us that each effort towards making a difference counts, including yours.
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Nick Wright
24/2/2024 03:58:24 pm
Thanks Treegens. I agree..! ✨
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Nick WrightI'm a psychological coach, trainer and OD consultant. Curious to discover how can I help you? Get in touch! Like what you read? Simply enter your email address below to receive regular blog updates!
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