So much in life does not last: bell bottoms, lava lamps, land line telephones, blockbuster, the Titanic — much of what we thought would last forever passes away like a vapor. Things that don’t last don’t leave legacy and I’m interested in legacy— and that’s what I’d like to appeal to you for a bit. I’m interested in this quote:
A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit
At CDA, we’re only interested in the type of education that passes on lasting lessons that the kids bring into adulthood. It’s slow and not flashy. We’re not interested in the news cycle (that passes away) but we focus on what will be relevant when these kids are adults. After all, we know that more than half of the jobs that our kids will have are yet to be invented. Education is less like fireworks and more like daily watering of a redwood sapling.
One thing that won’t last forever is childhood. At some point, grandparents calling their grandchildren Doodle Bug or Pumpkin fades away. Childhood passes away and much of what they pursue is popular yet passes away. But certain things will last and go with these boys as they become men. Certain lessons are never forgotten which is why we focus on those permanent truths of faith, family and freedom.
At CDA, our passion is to spread a love for what lasts to the next generation. We view education as formation and our goal is for the students to learn to love what is worth loving.
What is worth loving? What type of children are we trying to form here? And what is a child for anyways? Well, we know a child is not just a product of time and chance and matter. They are not just bags to be filled. They are not parts to be assembled into whatever gender they desire. They are made in God’s image and made to know Jesus Christ. That’s foundational. They are made to glorify God and live their whole lives before His face — Coram Deo.
What is worth loving?
First — Christ — only one life… that’s the ultimate goal.
Second — love hard work and love learning. My greatest fear is sending out ill-equipped adults. We have plenty of those. I work in this academy because I’d rather build strong children than repair broken men. If you want to know what your community will be like tomorrow look at our schools today— the seeds we plant at CDA will never be uprooted.
Third — people last. The souls of men never perish. This is why my main focus is putting great teachers in front of your grandchildren with a time tested classical curriculum that has Christ at the center. Children are not insignificant as many conclude. They cannot vote for their future so we have to stand up for these future adults. Teach the little ones the whole truth and nothing but the truth; for instruction is the great want of the child’s nature… he has need of double food! What appetites they have for the food that lasts. YET they are in danger of having their cravings satisfied with error! Youth is susceptible to evil doctrines pervasive even in education.
The errors are old but the mottos are new: LGTBQ, CRT, DEI, SEL. Those are popular but they will pass away. Everything we teach passes through two filters: the love of Christ and the Scriptures. This may exceed your political appetite but let’s be honest — protecting the next generation from error is a hill worth dying on and preparing the next generation is a cause worth living for!
Let me share a story that illustrates LOVE WHAT LASTS:
A young boy named Davey would spend every summer with his grandfather on the family farm. His grandfather was a kind, patient man who worked the land with pride and purpose, teaching Davey not only how to plant seeds but also about integrity, hard work, and the quiet strength it takes to see a harvest through to the end.
One summer, Davey’s grandfather taught him how to plant a specific apple tree, one known for taking decades to bear fruit. “By the time this tree gives apples,” his grandfather told him, “I’ll be gone, and maybe you’ll be the one sitting under it with your grandkids.” To Davey, the idea seemed far-off, almost impossible. But every summer, he and his grandfather would go out to the orchard and water that young tree, checking its growth.
Many years later, Davey returned to that same farm, now with a family of his own. The apple tree had grown tall and strong, and sure enough, it was producing the most beautiful, sweet apples. Davey shared them with his children, remembering his grandfather’s words about faith, patience, and the importance of investing in things that last.
One day you’ll be gone — what legacy will you leave for these future adults?
Supporting your grandchildren’s education is like planting that apple tree. It’s a legacy you may not always get to see fulfilled yourselves, but it’s an investment that creates shade and shelter for future generations, a blessing they’ll grow up in. By investing in your grandchildren’s education, you’re giving them the strong roots and enduring values they need to stand tall, weather storms, and bear fruit for a lifetime.
A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.
