Some perspective. (The Universe has a way of whacking a person upside the head now and again):

I got an e-mail concerning a person I know. He is one of the "driving forces" behind the local soup kitchen (Families Feeding Families) that provides a hot meal, five days a week, to anyone in need. They also do things like collect winter coats to distribute to kids who might not otherwise have one. And they do other good stuff.

He has been diagnosed with throat cancer and is going to be starting chemo. He and his family don't have insurance. (I anticipate that if they hold a benefit, or ask for donations to help with the cost, they will find their cups running over...that is how people in this community feel about them). But the time and the strain and all the risk...that is worrying. I hope his family will be able to continue their service, or find people able to take it over - it is incredibly important and valuable in what it does (I've helped out on a few - sadly, only a few, because of my schedule - occasions and it really does fill a big need in my town).

He has a wife and children, too. Cancer is always horrible, but for someone fairly young like him and who is so vital and busy, it's an extra bad blow.

If you're a praying sort, would you mind saying one for him? (Brian Burkhalter is his name). And for his family.

My problems this week are nothing in comparison to what he is facing.