Third Culture Kids; Open to the World

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/hobbits-and-third-culture-kids

I recently read this post by Seth Porch and had one of those "ah-ha!" moments when something I've long felt is put into words. I'm probably late to the party as usual, but I'd never heard the term "Third Culture Kids" until recently. That phrase explains a lot about how my upbringing influenced my world view, especially why I’m always ready to discover what’s over the next hill. Growing up as an Army brat I lived overseas and in several different US states, always on the outer edge of my peer group. Maybe that's why I've often felt a bit removed from the mainstream (or maybe I would've been an outsider anyway). I like to think I embraced that TCK status to boost appreciation of my unique combination of talents and quirks and develop a more thoughtful perspective instead of reacting negatively when the dominant culture and I didn't jibe.

Varied cultural experiences, the good, the bad, and the ugly, prove there are multiple ways to look at anything. Adjusting to another culture means we can’t be satisfied with superficial explanations and impressions, and the realization that we don't exactly fit the norm builds empathy and brings perspective. We learn to observe and evaluate, recognizing unique depths and layers in those around us so we can find ways to connect.

We're all third culture kids, just passing through this life. Realizing ours isn’t the only viable-or maybe even the best-viewpoint should encourage openness and generosity to others no matter how different they are. At the same time, the rare soulmates who recognize and understand us are priceless gifts to be nurtured and treasured.

It's harder to consider yourself the center of the world once you’ve seen how much world there is. Being open, allowing individuals and opportunities into our self-involved bubbles, provides glimpses of the magnitude, wonder, and rich variety of God’s people and all of his creation.