During takeoff on a Delta flight I thumbed through the inflight magazine out of boredom more than anything else. There was an article on "Birding." This is a growing industry where American travel around the country... to look at birds. The economic impact from this phenomenon is breath-taking. Consider these Birding facts from a 2006 Survey:

12 Billion dollars spent on trips
23 Billion dollars spent on equipment
Total: 35.7 billion dollars spent

Wow - there really isn't a lack of money in our distressed economy! The real issue is the affections of the heart... Will I spend my resources for personal pleasure or will I invest to fulfill the Great Commission.

(Delta Sky Magazine, Oct 2011 , pg. 60)