When I was a young man in high school, one of my passions
was American football.
I played middle linebacker.
The coach worked the team hard, teaching us the basics.
We practiced until the skills became natural and automatic.
During one play against our biggest rival,
I had an experience that has helped me over the years.
We were on defense.
I knew my assigned opponent, and as the play unfolded,
he moved to my right into the line of scrimmage.
There was a lot of noise from players and fans.
I reacted as the coach had taught us and followed
my man into the line, not knowing if he had the ball.
To my surprise, I felt the ball partially in my hands.
I gave it a tug, but my opponent didn't let go.
As we tugged back and forth, amid all the noise
I heard a voice yelling, "Packer, tackle him!"
That was enough to bring me to my senses,
so I dropped him on the spot.
I have wondered how I heard that voice
above all the other noise.
I had become acquainted with the voice
of the coach during the practices,
and I had learned to trust it.
I knew that what he taught worked.
We need to be acquainted with the promptings
of the Holy Ghost, and we need to practice and apply
gospel teachings until they become natural and automatic.
These promptings become the foundation of our testimonies.