Perhaps you’ve been in a similar situation? I’m traveling somewhere in the sun-belt. Palm trees. Convertibles with tops down. Lots of very tanned people. And someone will invariably ask, “Where are you from?” “Northern Ohio.” And then the same question virtually every time: “Why would you want to live there?”

Right at that moment, being very articulate, I reply, “Ummm . . .”

So, I’ve decided to compile a list of my top ten reasons I love living in Northern Ohio. These are just mine. But next time someone asks, I’ll be able to give, even if not necessarily reasonable, at a least a heartfelt answer.

Top 10 reasons why I love living in Northern Ohio

1. Autumn leaves, bonfires and s’mores.

2. It’s the football capital of the world.

3. Ohio sweet corn. (None better anywhere.)

4. Snow days. (I mean the ones when we get twelve inches dumped in 24 hours.)

5. Great lakes to fish in (pun intended).

6. Cleveland rocks!

7. Golf courses everywhere.

8. Heggy’s nuts, Troyer’s trail bologna, Gold N Crisp potato chips and Taggart’s sundaes.

9. The Cleveland Indians, Northwest Indians (My high school alma mater) and The Ohio State Buckeyes. (I know there are a zillion more teams but this is my list.)

10. To quote the country song: “These are my people.”

Every once in awhile we forget the incredible blessings of living right where we are. It’s easy to start thinking that life would be better if I moved somewhere else. The truth of the matter is that there are wonderful things, people and places to enjoy no matter where we find ourselves located.

For a while I found myself living in Marengo, Indiana. Marengo is a small town located outside of Louisville, Kentucky. Hicksville and Green Acres rolled into one. The people were amazing. Some of the best home cooking I’ve ever eaten. I even came to enjoy the occasional weekend mushroom hunting excursions in the woods.

For a couple of years I lived in Dublin, Ireland. And yes, it is as green as the pictures (but that’s because it rains all the time). The people who live there have extraordinary family values. Soccer reigns. The arts are revered. I could have lived there the rest of my life.

And now I’m in Northern Ohio. And I love living here!

A friend of mine used to say, “Greg, if you’re not happy poor then you won’t be happy rich. And if you’re not happy single then you won’t be happy married.” I would simply add that if you’re not happy where you are then you won’t be happy somewhere else.

The Apostle Paul put it very succinctly, “I have learned to be content no matter what circumstances I find myself in.” (Philippians 4:11-12)

I would enjoy hearing why you love living where you do . . .