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Driving in all of the traffic in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties is not something I miss. However, I do miss some simple things when it comes to eating out. Obviously, I am not a "high class" type of diner. I miss places like White Castle, Imo's Pizza, and Steak 'n Shake. I know that I have been back "home" when I get the opportunity to partake in one of these finer luxuries of life.
Each time I return to my old stomping grounds I realize that there is comfort in being back in familiar territory. I know the back roads I can take without getting lost. If it is flooding I know which areas to avoid. If it is rush hour I know what to expect. If I want to enjoy the amenities of the big city I have that option. I am also able to do that on a limited budget. I enjoy knowing that the St. Louis Zoo is still free of admission charges (although subject to change). I know where the free seats are located at the MUNY. I know the rougher areas of the city to avoid. I know where some of the beautiful churches and shrines are located. There is a sense of serenity in being familiar with the territory.
Are we confident and comfortable in our faith journey? Is it familiar territory? Are we able to articulate the core tenets of our faith in a coherent and understandable manner? Are we willing to engage someone in a conversation about the teachings of our faith?
It is my hope that we will continue to be life-long learners about our faith. This will, in turn, give us the familiarity and confidence to share our faith with those who come into our lives. What is evangelism? It is simply sharing the Good News with others. It is my prayer that this will be an area in which we all consider as part of our "stomping grounds". We will be familiar with the message, able to articulate it to others, and confidently live it out in our own lives as faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ. After all, our eternal home is with the Lord. Are we acquainted with the area?
Each time I return to my old stomping grounds I realize that there is comfort in being back in familiar territory. I know the back roads I can take without getting lost. If it is flooding I know which areas to avoid. If it is rush hour I know what to expect. If I want to enjoy the amenities of the big city I have that option. I am also able to do that on a limited budget. I enjoy knowing that the St. Louis Zoo is still free of admission charges (although subject to change). I know where the free seats are located at the MUNY. I know the rougher areas of the city to avoid. I know where some of the beautiful churches and shrines are located. There is a sense of serenity in being familiar with the territory.
Are we confident and comfortable in our faith journey? Is it familiar territory? Are we able to articulate the core tenets of our faith in a coherent and understandable manner? Are we willing to engage someone in a conversation about the teachings of our faith?
It is my hope that we will continue to be life-long learners about our faith. This will, in turn, give us the familiarity and confidence to share our faith with those who come into our lives. What is evangelism? It is simply sharing the Good News with others. It is my prayer that this will be an area in which we all consider as part of our "stomping grounds". We will be familiar with the message, able to articulate it to others, and confidently live it out in our own lives as faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ. After all, our eternal home is with the Lord. Are we acquainted with the area?
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