Travel

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Same Old, Same Old

Here is an update from yesterday’s post.

The people have spoken . . . the complaints have risen . . . the congressional representatives have been called and written to.  Something must be done for the sake of our economy, family vacations, and Hummer drivers everywhere.

The gas stations and oil companies finally got the message – a 26 cent per gallon increase in the cost of gasoline in an hour’s time was just too much. U.S. Penny

So, today’s response was welcome news . . . the lowering of gas prices on the south side of South Bend by an entire penny per gallon!

It’s time to celebrate!

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Up, Up, and Away!

I was just out to lunch (okay, I know some of you would say I’ve been that way for a long time.).  Anyhow, I see our gas stations and corresponding companies are at it again.  Regular unleaded was going for $3.139 a gallon when I began my lunch break and had risen to $3.399 by the time I was through.  I don’t know if this is just getting an early start on the traditional Memorial Day price gouging – I mean travel season – or what.

I always hate going to a store and finding layers of price stickers on a product that are continually higher than that underneath it.  The idea that a product sits in stock for a period of time and someone decides to charge more for it.  It is not a product just like a cheaper one – it is the exact same one with no change in its cost basis to the store.  They just decided that they would like more money for it.

I know that many gas stations are simply storing fuel for thier supplier and the station pays based on the time and day the fuel is pumped.  They are often caught in the middle.  But the point still remains as you work up the corporate chain, the cost basis for that fuel sitting at the station did not change between this morning and this afternoon.  There was not a truck there bringing in a fresh supply of more expensive gasoline.  Someone has simply decided to make an additional 26 cents a gallon on it.

So, what’s a gallon of gas worth?  In a free-market economy it is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.  I suspect prices will continue to rise steadily until individuals begin saying, “It’s not worth it.  I’m going to find other ways to meet my transportation needs.”  I don’t think I see that happening on a large-scale basis in this country any time soon.

And to think, I remember when gasoline broke the 1 dollar barrier and stations around the country were scrambling to figure out how to calibrate pumps that were only designed for a maximum price of $.999 per gallon.

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Spring Beauty

Spring BlossomsThe ebb and flow of spring in Michiana seems to be giving way to summer-like conditions for the time being.  It is mid-May in Michiana, so enjoy it while it lasts . . . it could be winter-like conditions at any time.

 It is amazing how much things change at this time of year in the time span of only a week or two.  The woods outside my office is a thick green . . . you really can’t see into it.  Just a couple of weeks ago, it was bare and open.  Deer would wander through the woods and be quite visible from my office.  Blossoms that had begun to appear are now either done blooming or hidden by the dense foilage of the trees and brush.  It is easily apparent which trees have life and which ones no longer do.  They are not all growing at the same rate or even exhibiting signs of life at the same time or in equal measure.  Yet growth is apparent in that which is living.  A couple of weeks ago, I was in the mountains and plains of Idaho and Utah.  It was amazing to be able to walk from the heat of summer into a spring meadow then into winter conditions – sinking into snow over my knees – all within a two hour hike. 

It kind of reminds me of life and of me.  Seasons come and seasons go, both in nature and in life, but do I really stop and appreciate each one.  For many people, both in nature and in life, spring is the easy season to enjoy and appreciate.  The life, the beauty, the growth, the energy, the tranquility – the things that make spring such a peaceful and pleasant season – cause us to do everything possible to hasten its arrival and delay its departure.  Yet those very traits are not possible without a winter’s rest . . . a winter’s nourishment.  I can’t imagine living in an area that lacks the four clear seasons that northern Indiana has.  They help me to see and understand life.  I appreciate winter because I love spring.  Yes, I often think that winter could be shorter, milder, nicer, even more gentle.  But not so short, mild, nice, or gentle that spring fails to appear so beautiful.

The “winter” times of our life serve to highlight the “spring” times where we experience growth, vitality, energy, and change.  This isn’t strictly an age thing as much as it is a spirit and soul thing.  If it is going to continue to grow and mature, the 100 year old tree needs spring just as much as the 10 year old tree.  God has called us all to a life of growing maturity through Christ Jesus.  Is the vitality of spring present within you as you daily experience a renewed life with God’s Spirit living in you?

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Ready To Fly?

I love watching people at airports.  Very few seem to be happy.  They are headed somewhere, but are tired, frustrated with the waiting, not wanting to go where they are headed, afraid, . . . even lost.  Yes, there are the handful that are probably heading to see a close friend, take a vacation, or some other occasion that they are looking forward to with anticipation.  They stand out.  Their joy and enthusiasm seem misplaced in surroundings that are hurried and endured rather than embraced. 

I seem to be strange among fliers.  I love extended layovers between flights.  If I can, I always try to schedule at least a two hour layover when I have to change planes during a trip.  It gives me time to relax and enjoy the journey.  It gives me time to watch and pray for people.  It gives me time to walk.  It gives me time to smile.

One of my favorite places to watch people in an airport is in the security screening line.  It doesn’t seem to matter how often and how clearly the “rules” are posted regarding what is allowed and what isn’t – there is always a steady stream of people trying to pass through the line with things that are not allowed.  Some are unaware that the items they are carrying are in the “do not pack” list.  Some have items that they didn’t know were in their bag.  Some think the rules shouldn’t apply to them and their items.  Some simply think that they are dumb rules so they attempt to ignore them.  During my most recent flight, I watched a lady argue extensively with a security agent over a 4 ounce bottle of hand lotion.  The limit is a 3 ounce container.  As the argument went on and on – and the security agent called for his supervisor – I wondered, “is 4 ounces of hand lotion worth missing your destination?“. 

It made me think.  As I travel through life, do I willingly give up the things that can’t be taken with me?  What do I do when God says, “That thing does not belong in your life if you want to continue this journey to your destination with me.”?  What things have slipped into my life unaware that God is saying can’t be taken along?  What is in the “baggage” of my life that I don’t even know is there? What am I holding onto with such value that I try to sneak it through life?  God is so much better at detecting “contraband” than any airport security screening equipment and personnel.  It would be a wise and prudent move to listen to His instructions on a daily, and moment by moment, basis.

I don’t know about you, but for me, reaching the destination is always more important than the things that I take or don’t take with me.