The Race is Not to the Swift

The race is not to the swift
Nor the battles to the strong
It is for those who don't drift
And know to whom they belong

Clearly we've a defined goal
That all can conquer and win
Dearly to each in their role
Is prayer to endure to the end

To all- an invitation
Let us be introspective
To reach our destination
We must see each objective

With continuous effort
We must ever stay on course
We simply cannot afford
To detour for therein's remorse

We must avoid the quicksand
That threatens on every side
And steer clear of each hand
That says there's a way to slide

Our Elder Brother and Lord
Showed the way while yet a boy
He gave to us a watchword-
Of Father's business and joy

As a grown man, He taught us
And, too, He showed us the way
Him, may we evermore trust
Who calms the waters to stay

There's much more to the story
For for our sins, Jesus wept
On the pathway to glory
He taught the laws that must be kept

With faith, hope, and repentance
And ordinances that do clean
We've help to complete the distance
And with the Father be seen

Thoughts from an Invitation to Exaltation
Timeless talks by Thomas S. Monson pages 9-12

Ecclesiastes 9:11
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all