Iron Sharpens Iron: Moving Forward & Holding the Line

This week on the farm, the theme was "moving forward."

We didn't just talk about it; we got our hands dirty doing it. We started by getting the bulls banded—a necessary task that keeps the herd manageable and safe. But as always at Larson's Land, the physical work was just a backdrop for something deeper.

I had a good friend come over to help. We spent the days teaching him the rhythm of the farm—how to drive the skid steer, how to split wood, how to collect eggs. But in exchange for teaching him skills, he taught me something far more valuable: he showed me his deep love for family and his compassion for a world that is hurting.

It got me thinking about friendship.

throughout my life, I’ve always had "groups." We did the typical things guys do: golf, drinking, eating, sharing business ideas. And while there’s a place for that, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been longing for something different. I’ve been craving a brotherhood that doesn’t rely on a drink to be real. I believe God is showing me that I need to cultivate a new kind of friendship—one where we aren’t just hanging out, but where we are holding the line for each other.

Walking Through the Fire Together We had another couple over this week who recently lost a child. Their faith is incredibly strong—they know, with certainty, that they will see their child again, free of pain and full of joy. 

Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."

Sitting with them brought back a flood of emotions from the early days of losing Larson. It was tough. It forced Nicole and me to revisit some hard places. But it also gave us an opportunity to talk about Larson, which is something we are always thankful for. It was a reminder that in marriage, grace is essential. We have to understand each other's emotions and give space for grief to happen, even years later.

A House Full of Life Then came Super Bowl weekend. In a year where the halftime show seemed to create division for some, our home was united by something else: pure, chaotic joy.

We invited friends over, and let me tell you—the house came alive. We had 10 boys running through the rooms, playing basketball, tackling each other, and jumping on the trampoline.

Watching them was a "tough joy." In those moments, I know we are always missing one. I’m always envisioning Larson out there, running with Lincoln and his friends. But I also know I want to keep creating those opportunities for Lincoln. I want this house to be full of life.

Iron Sharpens Iron It was refreshing to look around the room at the friends we have now. We hold each other accountable in different ways:

Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

• One teaches us about livestock and the importance of transparency in our schools.

• Another pushes for kids to achieve their potential without shortcuts.

• Another is a playful father who shows discipline but also lets his kids be boys.

• And watching the mothers show softness as they held baby Landry... it was a beautiful thing to watch unfold under our roof.

I found myself reflecting: What am I providing for them? I pray that God works through me to give them what they need to hear or see when they are here.

The 90s Coach vs. The Brother Perhaps the biggest growth moment for me came in a quiet conversation. I looked another brother in the eyes and asked a simple question: "Are you okay?"

The old me? The old me would have been a tough "90s football coach." I would have told him to rub some dirt on it. I wouldn't have given space for the relationship to grow. But this week, I chose to listen without judgment.

We are sharpening iron with iron here. We are trying to better ourselves, follow Christ, and raise these boys into fine young men. It’s hard work—harder than banding bulls or splitting wood—but it’s the only work that lasts.