More than a decade ago I got serious about my dream of a cross-country handcycle ride.
One of my first steps was to open a brand new file on my computer. Everything about that ride, and all the rides we’ve done since, lives in that file. All the solo tours. The nine FREEDOM TOURS. It’s all in folders within in that file.
The folder is named Crazy Quest.
I’m thinking about that file because lately I’m feeling a bit like Don Quixote. You probably know his story.
Poor Don Quixote left his home in la Mancha to become an erstwhile knight engaged in a noble, if somewhat misguided, quest. Obsessed with virtuous ideals, he became convinced he was vanquishing worthy adversaries when he was merely tilting at windmills.
Everyone thought Don Quixote was nuts, but from his perspective the quest was a mission. He ignored others’ opinions to pursue what he believed to be a high and righteous calling.
In the best-known passage from the Broadway musical based on his story, Don Quixote is asked about the nature of his “quest.” He responds with the inspiring song The Impossible Dream.
The knight doesn’t know he’s battling windmills, so he boldly proclaims his commitment to his principles. He believes he’ll make the world a better place and rest peacefully if he summons the courage to follow his glorious quest.
DON QUIXOTE:
It is the mission of each true knight…
His duty… nay, his privilege!
To 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 stars!
There’s a reason I called my file Crazy Quest. Honestly, sometimes seeking justice for the kids at the HOME OF HOPE feels a little like tilting at windmills. I’m glad we’re not like the poor knight. I’m glad we don’t have to fight this battle by ourselves.
We get to walk and talk with Jesus along the journey. I need to remember that.