You learn something new and enlightening in just about everything you do.

Last week, my wife and I officially moved to Cincinnati (actually to Milford, Ohio, where the home office is located). While it was a time-consuming and somewhat stressful experience, everything went as well as could be expected. We appreciate the blessings God has provided in that we found and bought a home with minimal effort on our part. The moving company, which was recommended to us, made everything as “painless” as it could be. But relocating still consumed a lot of thought and was tiring!

We spent our first night in our new home this past Friday evening. There were still unpacked boxes in every room, but we had beds to sleep in and all the essentials together before the Sabbath began.

As is usual with me, I woke up in the middle of the night. I have learned to cherish those times—with the house quiet and the world asleep it is a valuable time for prayer, meditation and “alone” time with God.

When you are in a new place, it sometimes takes a while to get used to things and for it to feel like home—but not this time. Our new place already feels like home. That surprised me, but very much pleased me.

My wife, Debbie, and I are no strangers to moving. Over the years we’ve moved from place to place as my job dictated. We enjoyed every place we lived. Some of my coworkers would comment how difficult it is to make new friends and become established when you relocate. But we never felt that way. Everywhere we went there was a Church of God congregation, and while we didn’t personally know members when we first arrived there, we always felt part of the body. I came to appreciate what a blessing it is to be part of the fellowship of God. There is true “family” wherever you go!

Living here in Ohio was not a part of Debbie’s or my plan. We were perfectly content and happy where we were, as you have heard me say. But over the weeks as we planned this move I “watched” as God changed my mind and outlook on things. As the transition to Ohio grew nearer, the feeling of anticipation and eagerness to come here grew.

Upon moving in and waking that first night and feeling “at home” and at peace, I learned another truth of walking with and following God. When we do His will, when we are where God wants us to be—where He “places His name”—there is happiness, contentment, joy and that feeling of peace. We are at “home” with God when we find and do what is well-pleasing to Him (Ephesians 5:10).

Every Sabbath, God commands us to be where He wants us to be. Every Holy Day and at the Feast of Tabernacles we know where God has “placed His name” and expects us to be.

And so, I encourage all of us to yield to Him and do His will, and be where He wants us to be, no matter what the personal cost or “inconvenience” to ourselves. There is nothing more encouraging, energizing and joy-producing than doing what pleases God.

Have a wonderful and productive day of preparation for the Sabbath, and an inspiring and profitable Sabbath day.

May you all feel “at home” with God.