Always Be Growing

I have started to read the book The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery by Eric Foner.  In the preface the author reminds us that the hallmark of Lincoln's greatness was his capacity for growth.  He was a man who never seems to stop growing.  He grew into greatness. 

The author goes onto say that not every individual possesses the capacity for growth.  In fact, there are some who seem to shrink, rather than grow, when faced with a crisis.  The reason Lincoln was able to grow was not only because he was true to an inner compass but also because he was willing to listen to critism and seek out new ideas. 

It is my hope that the Esperanza educators will follow Lincoln's example and do what is necessary to develop our capacity to grow.  We can, therefore, be examples for our Esperanza scholars in this--one of the most important lessons we can teach them.