I spent the better part of the week in a conference of over 7,000 Christian counselors. The conference was held at one of the finest hotel and resort complexes in the world. As I walked to and from each session, I walked past restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, ice cream shops, cookie shops, clothing shops, souvenir shops, and beautifully manicured landscaping. No expense has been spared. Several times during the week, I stopped to take in the beauty and magnificence of the man-made structure.

I am overwhelmingly blessed.

During the conference, I heard several of the best prepared and most respected speakers in our nation address how God is the foundation of all Christian counseling. These people are the top professionals in their field of expertise. I was encouraged. I was challenged. I was refreshed.

I am overwhelmingly blessed.

As I sat watching and listening, the seat was cushioned, the carpet under my feet was clean, the water in the coolers located around the huge room was cool and fresh, and the lighting was always appropriately bright or soft.

I am overwhelmingly blessed.

A major emphasis of the conference was the struggle of those who have been affected by the hurricanes. We saw videos. We listened to people who lived through the storms. We heard from people who lost every single earthly possession. We heard from people who have been in the midst of the devastation working to help the homeless and lost find a way to start over. We collected funds and made personal commitments to help in the recovery process.

As I reflected on the blessings of the week, two passages of Scripture came to mind:

But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48 NIV)Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you. (James 5:1-6 NIV)

"Is He talking to me?"
As I have read and reread these passages and reflected on my week and my life, I have asked myself: "Is He talking to me?"

I have concluded that He is, because ...

I am overwhelmingly blessed.