Headmaster's Blog

“Do you know that the lobster only grows when it sheds its shell?” asked a friend of mine who has lived along the New England coast, noting that having lived in the Boston area, he now knows more about lobsters than he ever thought possible.  He explained that the lobster’s shell never increases in size – that the crustacean’s growth is restricted by its protective shell.  However, about a dozen times in the lifecycle of a lobster, it molts its shell and becomes completely vulnerable – but that’s when it grows, sometimes doubling its size within a two-week period before the new shell forms around its vulnerable body.  

Isn’t that how life works as well, and just like the lifecycle of an organization? When we’re comfortable and protected, we rarely grow. But it is when we step out in faith, leave behind our protective shell and become vulnerable, that’s when our greatest moments of growth occur.  

Here at MBCA, we have shed our shell and stepped out in faith. Yes, leaving the comfortable campus that has housed much of our school for 28 years, consolidating all three divisions, executing a bond offering, and building facilities that require millions of dollars can make us feel vulnerable.  But it is during this time that we have seen our greatest growth in programs, facilities, enrollment, and have realized academic excellence and spiritual growth like never before!  We have built Arrow Field, STEM labs, an art studio, and opened a state-of-the-art Student Center. We are currently constructing a new Upper School, Dining Hall, Student Commons, Theater, and performance Gym. And that will be followed by our new Middle School and Lower School buildings. We have left behind the comfort of predictability and stepped out in faith to fulfill the vision ahead. 

We see an example of this in scripture, as the nation of Israel steps out in vulnerability to enter the Promise Land – Moses says in Deuteronomy 31:6, “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid… For the Lord your God will neither fail you nor abandon you.” This principle is seen throughout scripture – that is, when we make ourselves vulnerable enough to step out in faith to fulfill God’s calling, it is in those times that we see God’s blessings most abundantly. Thank you all for stepping out together through this season of faith to realize the excitement of growth and development that is underway!