“Connect,” For the Strength of Youth, Aug. 2023.
Connect
Manulele A.
16, Hawaii, USA
I’m from Hawaii. I’m also a receiver and running back for my high school football team.
Our team once played in a tournament on Saturday and Sunday. I had already decided I was not going to play sports on Sundays. Four teammates were injured on Saturday, so there was a lot of pressure to play on Sunday. But I didn’t play. Instead, I wanted to go to church and take the sacrament. So my cousin brought me to church.
College recruiters come to see how you perform in football tournaments. I knew I would miss opportunities by not playing on Sunday. But I also knew that Heavenly Father would bless me for my commitment. After the tournament, I was grateful that two colleges contacted me. But I was most grateful for the spirit I felt when I chose to keep the Sabbath day holy.