Our plane to Seattle
It's a confusing world we live in.
I remember one of my professors unsuccessfully trying to explain to me the
theory of supply and demand: "The more people want something, the higher the
price tag," he told me.
Does this means that computers are not as much in demand any longer? Their price
tags have dropped significantly since the nineties. And what about the
communication industry? Are people less inclined to call long distance now that
prices here have once again dropped drastically? I used to pay 1.50$ a minute to
call my friends in Belgium, and now it costs me 0.035$ a minute, a drop of more
than 420%!
Since taxes are constantly rising, does it mean that they are also more in
demand?
At least the Canadian dollar seems to follow the rule. It does seem to be more
in demand now that it is almost at par with US currency. But where is the influx
of tourists? Why are our border town hotels half empty?
Can it be said, then, that the principles of supply and demand don't always
work?
Today I learned first hand how to create a market for indispensable goods. We
were checking in at the airport in Rochester, NY, on our way to Seattle. As our
luggage was being inspected, we were asked if we had any liquids in any shape or
form in our carry-ons.
"Euh… we have our water bottles. We drink at least 3 bottles a day…"
"Sorry, if you want your necessary water intake for the day, you will have to
drink it now or buy it inside!"
"Now?"
"Absolutely!"
We made quite a scene at the airport terminal trying to drink our water quota
for the day in less than 5 minutes. I was the only one who was completely
successful. Strangely enough, I heard water sloshing around in me whenever I
walked, and I felt like an over-inflated balloon throughout most of the rest of
the day, compliments of the airport authorities.
It was funny though. After passing security, we all started to feel mysteriously
thirsty. Had some kind of virus causing insatiable thirst broken lose?
We quickly located our gate and went on a hunt for water. Imagine our shock when
we learned that small bottles of water were obtainable for the meager price of
2$ each, and soft drinks and juice were available at even higher prices. Too bad
I had left my gold digging equipment at home! Is anyone surprised to learn that
we decided to spend the next hour dreaming of swimming in an exotic pool, far
away from any airport?
As soon as we boarded our plane, we asked the flight attendant for water.
Unfortunately none were available until after take-off. And when the
much-in-demand liquid reached us, we pleaded for a whole bottle, if possible.
"I am sorry sir. We are limited with our supply. You are only allowed one
glass."
"One glass! But it's tiny!"
At the next airport we ran into the same problems. We decided to purchase a few
bagels however, for the same price as a stay at the Hilton. We reasoned that
there must be some liquid in a bagel somewhere. Perhaps it would lessen our
thirst. It didn't work.
Once on the Boeing, we were greeted with awe as we each received not only a
glass of water, but also an entire can of our favorite soft drink. And then,
after diligently discarding its content in our tummies, more cans were provided
to us, free of charge.
"Air Alaska! You can be assured that we will fly with you again!"
A happy customer is a well-watered customer! At least that is our motto.
It's amazing how we take for granted some of our barest necessities! Who would
have dreamed that we would be dying for ordinary water in a busy, industrialized
and modernized airport? The laws of supply and demands surely apply here and not
only with the bare necessity of water!
It does seem that people are willing to pay hefty prices for what they want. The
heftier the price, the more attractive the item seems to be. Is this why God's
offer of pure freedom is ignored so much? He offers it for free, and people are
suspicious of anything that seems too good to be true. But God's offer is more
than true. Investigate it, study it closely, and discover a world beyond your
wildest dreams. Unlike the expensive gadgets of this world, God offers us
eternity for free. There simply is no better deal around!
"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find;
knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who
seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." (Luke 11:9-10 NKJV)
"Search high and low, scan skies and land, you'll find nothing and no one quite
like GOD. The holy angels are in awe before him; he looms immense and august
over everyone around him. GOD of the Angel Armies, who is like you, powerful and
faithful from every angle?" (Ps 89:6-8 The Message)
You want water? You can have a bottle for the special price of 5$. Unless you
have a special invitation: "Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst
- not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing
fountains of endless life." (John 4:14 The Message)
Unlike humans, God's water is not only always refreshing, but is also free! Once
tasted, you will never again be thirsty! Airports, here I come, bottle free!
Rev 21:6 "To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the
spring of the water of life." NIV
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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