Students at Boise Valley Adventist School participate in a variety of sports and reflect on their experiences, growth and Christian perspective. Here are their thoughts:
Makenzie
“Each player has an important role, and that feeling of being needed is a gift.”
Participating in football has helped me grow in confidence and improve my skills, and it has deepened my understanding of teamwork. Through this sport, I’ve developed new friendships, learned valuable lessons and built my self-esteem. I’ve come to realize that each player has an important role, and that feeling needed and valued is a gift.
Football also teaches me the importance of cooperation, which extends beyond the field to my relationships with family and friends. At home, we often reflect on Matt. 20:16: "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." This verse reminds me that striving for success should never overshadow humility and that through prayer and seeking God’s wisdom in the Bible, I can overcome any challenge.
Daphne
"As I improve, I strive to use the discipline and focus learned through shooting to honor Him in all that I do."
I was 8 years old when I first got into action shooting. Through this sport, I have seen my confidence grow and my skills sharpen, but I also recognize that these abilities are gifts from God. As I improve, I strive to use the discipline and focus learned through shooting to honor Him in all that I do. I’m reminded that talents and skills come from God, and it's important to use them with responsibility, humility and gratitude.
Rian
"The mountains ... have become a place of peace, reflection and tranquility for me, where I feel God’s presence in the beauty of His creation."
Through skiing, I’ve learned to push my limits and trust in God's strength to help me overcome challenges. The mountains, with their ever-changing conditions, have become a place of peace, reflection and tranquility for me, where I feel God’s presence in the beauty of His creation. Even on tough days, skiing helps me find calm and perspective. The challenges of the snow remind me to persevere, knowing that through faith and effort I can grow stronger. Skiing will always hold a special place in my heart, as it brings me closer to God in both the quiet moments and the struggles.
Elijah
"I understood that, just as in our walk with God, growth requires effort and perseverance."
Through the game of soccer and watching role models like Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese professional footballer, I have learned that hard work, dedication and trusting in God's plan for me could lead me to become the best version of myself on the field. I understood that, just as in our walk with God, growth requires effort and perseverance. Soccer is a way to connect with my family and is a way to honor God by giving my best in everything I do.
Colton
"Beyond the physical aspects, I recognize that God has given me the strength and perseverance to push through challenges ..."
Boxing has improved my physical fitness, mental strength and discipline, and it has deepened my sense of empowerment. I feel safer and more confident in my ability to defend myself, which is a practical benefit of learning boxing. But beyond the physical aspects, I recognize that God has given me the strength and perseverance to push through challenges, and I want to use this empowerment to encourage and uplift others. Every day, I meet new people and make new friends, which further enriches my journey.
Emma
"The outcome of the game is not as important as staying true to your faith."
As I watch my classmates navigate the struggles and pitfalls of sports, I want to offer a thought about maintaining Christian values. The outcome of the game is not as important as staying true to your faith. Winning can lead to boastfulness, while losing can damage self-esteem, but both can distance you from God’s love. Turn to prayer for strength, self-reflection and guidance in handling emotions. Ask yourself whether winning or losing is worth compromising your values. By following Jesus' example, a player can maintain their faith, showing kindness and humility even in competition.
