“The Soccer Choice,” Friend, February 2023, 12
Written by You
The Soccer Choice
Isaac E., age 8, Yucatán, Mexico
I loved playing soccer on my school team. But I couldn’t go to many of the games because they were on Sunday. I wanted to keep the Sabbath day holy.
One day my coach asked why I did not come to games on Sundays. I explained that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I told him that Sunday is a special day for me. I only do things that help me remember Jesus Christ and get closer to Him. Later the coach said that there was a game the next Sunday. I told him that I would not be at the game. The coach said that was fine and not to worry.
A few minutes later the coach asked for everyone’s attention. The game had been changed to Saturday! I felt so happy.
After practice, a boy came over and said, “Thank you very much!” I asked him why he thanked me. He said, “I go to my church on Sundays too. I am grateful you told the coach about your beliefs. I would not have gone to the game either.” After that day, the boy and I became very good friends.
From this experience I gained a new friend and the chance to go to the game. The next year, I became the captain of my school’s soccer team. But the best thing I learned is to always be faithful to the Lord. If I am faithful to Jesus Christ, He will always bless me.
Illustration by Josh Talbot