“For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

If I could choose any city in the world to live in, it would be San Luis Obispo, California. Why? Allow me to explain.

San Luis Obispo—located on the sunny Central Coast of California and boasting one of the loveliest of climates and most breathtaking of mountain views—is the city in which I currently reside. While this may sound a bit too cozy, complacent, and unadventurous, my life here is quite the opposite.

Not only is San Luis Obispo one of the most scenic of West Coast cities, but—far more importantly—I am firmly convinced that I am not here by accident. I truly believe that God has placed me here for a purpose and that He fully intends for me to bloom where I’ve been planted.

This does not, of course, preclude the possibility that, at some future time, my area of direct geographical influence might change. That is the inherent potential and promise of tomorrow.

But for today, I am not merely content to be where I am, but far more so, enthusiastic, optimistic, and determined to make a difference here—to follow the deceptively simple-sounding advice found in one of the choruses of my faith, which admonishes every one of us to brighten the corner where we are.

The good news is that, while I’m busy brightening my little corner of the world right here in San Luis Obispo, through volunteer work, financial donations, and/or one-on-one assistance—at my church, on my college campus, and in my community—I can simultaneously do the same for a virtually unlimited number of other cities throughout the nation and around the globe.

I can do this through prayer, through giving directly to relief efforts in various places, and through offering both moral and monetary support to those individuals and organizations who are on the front lines in the worldwide battle against the ravages of war, poverty, natural disaster, hunger, thirst, disability, disease, and hopelessness which are rife among the suffering peoples of the world.

In this way, I can “live” in many cities today, though my feet may be firmly planted on the soil of my adopted hometown of San Luis Obispo, California, USA.

One day my Lord, who has inspired me, both by word and example, to love my neighbor as myself and do unto others as I would have others do unto me, may call me to a city other than the one in which I currently contentedly reside.

If and when that day comes, I will welcome both the challenge and the opportunity and happily, though humbly, go—fully recognizing my many limitations and ever-present need of His help. But until then, I will remain here and continue to reach out to those in need—both locally and globally—in every way that I possibly can, by His grace.

And should He never choose to call me to another earthly city, I will remain here—contentedly working, playing, worshiping, and praying—while eagerly awaiting the eternal city that He has so graciously prepared for those who love Him.