Iron

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

These are some of the most practical and true words spoken in the Bible. There’s a common saying: “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”

Life can be challenging—a daily battle that pulls us in different directions. But take heart: this life was never meant to be lived alone. God created us to walk through life with Him and with others.

So how does this relate to turkey hunting?

Just like in life, you need a mentor or a friend—someone willing to teach you, challenge you, and push you to be better. A better hunter. A better caller. A better steward of the land. And ultimately, a better person.

Friendship matters. Having someone to celebrate with after you harvest a bird is important—but having someone to encourage you after a miss matters just as much. A man was not made to live alone, so find a few friends and keep them close.

Here’s the important part: share what you’ve learned.

It’s our responsibility to pass on the knowledge that was shared with us and to become mentors ourselves. Turkey hunters can be secretive—and that’s okay to a certain degree—but don’t store up what someone else freely gave you. Pay it forward.

Who can you share it with?
Your son or daughter.
Your brother or sister.
Your wife.
A close friend.

Whoever it is, teach with a teacher’s heart—with love, patience, and clear direction. I promise you this: watching someone harvest their first turkey because of what you taught them will be a better feeling than any bird you’ve taken yourself.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the passion of turkey hunting—but more importantly, thank You for creating us to live in unity with others. Thank You for the people who took the time to teach me and show me the way. Thank You for the opportunity to teach others as well. I love You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.