“And Jesus Grew in Wisdom and Stature and in Favor with God and Man.”
The story is told that there is a variety of Chinese Bamboo Tree that, if properly planted, cared for and watered, in the first year it does not grow at all. In the second year, if it is cared for and watered, it still does not grow any. But in the third year, if it is cared for and watered, it still does not grow any. And in the fourth year, if it is cared for and watered, still no growth. In the fifth year, if this bamboo plant is cared for and watered, in one six-week period the Chinese Bamboo Tree will grow over 90 feet!
This story of five years of persistence is a fable, but that varieties of bamboo can grow quickly have been well documented. Growth of 60 to 80 feet in six to eight weeks is not uncommon. In fact, one researcher has documented the growth of a Japanese Timber Bamboo plant in ideal conditions at 47.6 inches in one 24-hour period! Literally, growth can be seen taking place before one’s own eyes.
Few things in human experience can match the wonder, fascination and reward that accompany growth. I believe this is the essence of why people become teachers (and gardeners).
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). The mission of Madison Academy is to help children grow as Jesus did – to grow intellectually, physically, spiritually and socially. Like with the Bamboo researcher, central to this mission is to provide those ideal conditions for optimal growth to take place – an environment in which each student will experience growth as Jesus did. Though at times this may seem more a goal than a reality, it is this challenge that excites me as I join the Madison Academy family. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with MA’s impressive faculty and I look forward to getting to know the students – it will be fun watching you grow!
- Dr. Michael E. Weimer
