Eighty years in the preparation

Brought changes that were incremental;

But looking back in retrospection,

The changes now seem monumental.

 

Their loving parents have all gone home,

Their little children are now all flown,

Exceptional leaders now are gone,

And even grandkids are nearly grown.

 

Time never stands still but marches on,

And with the marching come the changes;

Opportunity comes and then is gone—

Details for each, God rearranges.

 

The fabled future is elusive:

When there will be time enough to do!

Important things must be exclusive,

To learn life's lessons before we're through.

 

One can't go back—redo omissions;

Find joy in the journey—now's the time;

Give hugs, be kind—it's these commissions

That keep regrets from troubl'ling your mind.

 

What's more important than family,

Covenants, serving, remembering,

Education, living gratefully,

Writing, working, and just enduring?

 

Enjoy the journey and be grateful;

Nothing is static—there's always change;

Do your best and always be thankful,

It's only Jesus that stays the same.

 

 

Summary of the talk President Monson gave in the Sunday morning session of

general conference, "Finding Joy in the Journey."  His talk struck me as poetic.

 

—James E. Kerns, February 2009