Pilgrim's Progress

As I contemplated what I might contribute to a November post, the typical themes of Thanksgiving came to mind ... and the Pilgrims. What also came to mind was John Bunyan's classic tale, Pilgrim’s Progress. Not that the book has anything to do with the Mayflower Pilgrims and nonetheless, I did some research which revealed that John Bunyan was actually born 8 years after the Mayflower Pilgrims landed in Plymouth. Of further interest I found that Bunyan wrote the book during his second term of imprisonment for preaching outside of the established law of England at the time. Ironically, the laws changed, Bunyan was released from prison and he became one of the most popular preachers in England - heading a Church in the very same town in which he had been incarcerated for over 12 years. That's perseverence for you!

The book begins thus; “As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place where was a den, and laid me down in that place to sleep; and as I slept, I dreamed a dream. I saw a man clothed with rags, standing in a certain place, with his face from his own house, a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back. I saw him open the book, and read therein; and as he read, he wept and trembled; and he cried out, “What shall I do?”
There was a time when most every school child read Pilgrim’s Progress as part of their educational foundation. It’s allegorical collection of aptly named characters and circumstances reflect life, the pursuit of purpose and destiny. The story is just as applicable today as it was in the sixteen hundreds.

The word Pilgrim warrants some forensics. It dates back to the 12th century and it describes one who journeys in foreign lands - a wayfarer, one who travels to a shrine or holy place, one of the English Puritan colonists of 1620 and (contemporarily) an early/first settler to the U.S. western territories. John Wayne addressed wide-eyed, naive, newcomer/settlers to the west as “Pilgrim” in many of his western films. He also generally assumed a role as their reluctant yet “practical and savvy” protector … their gun wielding, jaw smashing guardian angel. Along the way Wayne’s characters usually came to respect the “Pilgrim’s” innocent honor and quest and it often became his own.

Considering all of that, I’ve always thought of a Pilgrim as a person drawn to something that they pursed often not knowing the dangers along the way - but pursued it nonetheless. I’ve seen Pilgrim’s as sometimes self-absorbed, obsessed with purpose and often exhibiting a child-like blissful ignorance and headstrong belief that they would prevail in their quest if they only persevere. Pilgrims dismiss the risks and “practical” advice of others and move ahead. Pilgrims generally travel in lands that are foreign to them … they are sojourners. They view hardship and estrangement as temporary conditions. There is always something noble about the Pilgrim’s quest. To me, Cervante's Don Quixote de la Mancha qualifies as a Pilgrim.

You don’t hear much about Pilgrims these days. They are a backdrop of our "americana" consciousness, a throwback to more naive times. Their spartan and severe lives are a spectacle at which to shudder. But do we ponder what vision would drive such people to such extremes? Are there no more worthy noble quests? Is there nothing grand enough that is worth sacrificing and struggling for unless it involves an immediate and rich reward? Surely there is. Why do we love the underdog so? Why do we root for the bloodied man in the arena battling a smug and formidable foe? To our core we love noble causes and our hearts are restless for their inspiration.

I think we were all created to be Pilgrims - sojourners for a moment that is but a vapor on this planet. I think that in each of us there burns a yearning for a noble cause, to be part of a bigger story, to face adversity, to be tested, to enjoy risk taking adventures as we pursue the impossible dream … to find out whether or not we have what it takes. Remember the song - - - ?

The Impossible Dream – Lyrics by Joe DarionTo dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

That’s a “Pilgrim” song. The heart of a Pilgrim. A deep commitment to a quest that often meets with tremendous adversity, goes unappreciated, may be unpopular, costs dearly … but is pursued nonetheless simply because it is right.

Now imagine the realization of that quest and the utterly profound depth of thanks that would well forth from the heart of the overcomer … the Pilgrim. Get into that sort of mood on Thanksgiving Day …. Pilgrim!

All the best!
Bill