After experiencing the last six months in Australia and Japan and moving back to England for the last two months, I have seen my life blended and mixed due to having come across new cultures and lifestyles. The most important question to ask now is: did you enjoy your time?
The answer would always be 100% ‘yes’! I have learned new skills, and learnt new ways of understanding and respecting people. In Byron Bay, I saw how people are laid back and have a huge respect for nature, but are always friendly and want to hear your point of view – whether it be Politics or Religion.
Then during my time in Japan, I experienced a culture which I had never been involved with before. I was able to learn a whole new language and new culture, which was exciting every day I was there. Anyone who has ever been to Japan will appreciate this beautiful country which takes joy in making people feeling honoured and respecting one another.
This made me realise how we must never lose our sense of wonder at God’s character and how we can come to him in everything we do. How God created a world where we are all different – especially when you venture into numerous different countries. You see how God made us to get along with one another, and this is what Jesus I believe was trying to communicate to us when He came.
Blended Identity
I know that I have become very blended in personality and views because of the numerous cultures and people I have met in my life. Despite this, my identity is still blended in Christ. No matter where I’ve been or what I’ve done, I know that my roots are stumped in Jesus.
Sometimes I struggle and see areas of my life as if they were walls closing in. But I know if I stay strong in Jesus, my identity will stay blended in Christ.
During my time in Australia, I came to realise it doesn’t matter where I go or run, Jesus is running beside me. My joy of having Jesus with me makes moving forward every day a delight. It is a huge help to know that my strength is not my own, but it is truly Jesus who makes me grow in him!
Moving Forward
After seeing travels come to an end, the question becomes ‘How do we move forward after these new experiences? Well, we should look at every day as a new experience from which to move forward!
However, to answer the question at hand, I believe I was able to see that there is something good in everyone, and we can learn something from everyone – even young children. This is exactly what Jesus spoke about – how he loves the way young children aspire to learn more. We should be wanting to learn more about Jesus and all the ways He works in our life!
Ever since returning home, I have seen Jesus enrich my life as I have wanted Him to and have let him invade my life so I can move forward in Him. When we invite Jesus to enter in our lives, we have to allow Him to blend the way He works and enjoy how He is healing broken ends, but at the same time making His roots strong so that we see our heart blended in Him!
What is the Joy of being Blended?
Jesus is the joy of being blended in everything we do. However, when we become shy or embarrassed to say we are blended in Him, then what are living for? We should be wanting to live for Jesus and see Him blended in us and make our blended life live with everything else we do. That blend creates a joy that makes our Kingdom-culture worth living for.
Mike Burr is from Manchester, England, with a marketing degree and several years working in the corporate world. Mike is in Australia for six months at a YWAM Discipleship Training School in Byron Bay, NSW.
Mike Burr's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mike-burr.html
Mike Burr is from Manchester, England, with a marketing degree and several years working in the corporate world. Mike is in Australia for six months at a YWAM Discipleship Training School in Byron Bay, NSW.
Mike Burr’s previous articles may be viewed at