The Weeping Willow, "Shotgun," and the Power of Intentional Relationships

This morning, I’m sitting on our patio having a cup of coffee with Larson.

I'm sitting next to the weeping willow we planted after he passed. When we picked it out, we thought it was the best option to express both the deep, heavy pain of losing a child and the profound beauty that still remains. With the weather warming up and the spring air settling in, it brings us more of these quiet moments to just sit with Larson and remember how he used to play.

There are times when I struggle with whether I talk about him too much, or if I don't talk about him enough. But honestly? I’ve realized it doesn't matter. What matters is making sure that we continue to live a life that honors Larson, while also allowing ourselves to truly live. Because of our faith, we know we will be with him again.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."

Playing Like Larson This week was all about channeling Larson. He was always up for a good time—dancing, roughhousing, making things, and getting into any type of mischief we would let him get away with.

I made a point to do exactly that with Lincoln this past week. From playing soccer and riding ATVs, to playing catch and having him help me out with chores around the farm and the roastery, we just had fun. It is an absolute blessing to watch Lincoln grow up every single day, and it’s just as much of a blessing to let my guard down and be a kid right alongside him.

We capped off the weekend with the ultimate family treat: getting outside for a walk at Smithville Lake, followed by ice cream. And hey, after surviving a very long, grueling, completely flat 1-mile walk... that ice cream was well-earned. Hahaha.

Matthew 18:3

"And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'

Sobriety and the Golf Course I also took some intentional time this week to get out with my own friends.

We hit the golf course, and let me tell you, sticking it on the green from 100 to 150 yards out for a nice birdie putt is the ultimate feeling. But the real blessing wasn't the golf; it was the fellowship.

In the past, I used to focus entirely on the selfish aspect of hanging out—how much fun am I going to have? Now that I am sober and following Christ, my perspective has completely shifted. Life is truly about the relationships you can create and nurture along the journey. While we were out, I was able to rekindle a relationship with an old friend who has been there for me a lot over the years. We hadn't seen each other in almost five years, but it felt like it had only been a week. I am so incredibly thankful for moments like that.

2 Corinthians 5:17

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

A Wink from Heaven I know we are on the right path following Christ. I have all my faith anchored in that. And sometimes, God gives you these little gifts throughout the day to remind you that you aren't walking alone.

Later in the week, I was out in the yard on the mower, running the weed eater, when George Ezra's song "Shotgun" suddenly came on.

That was Larson's favorite song. He absolutely loved that beat. Hearing it out of nowhere allowed me to just be in the moment. I talked with him as I went along the back yard, and for those few minutes, I just got to be a kid with him again. It warmed my heart in a way I can't fully explain.

The Takeaway If you take absolutely anything away from this week's update, please let it be this: Relationships are what matter most in this life.

Real friendships. Real bonds with your spouse. Real connections with your kids. We have to be fiercely intentional about building and protecting those relationships as we go through this life.

Proverbs 27:17

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Keep your head up, hold the line, and go text an old friend today.