I recently received a kind note from a lovely student and with it, she included a Godiva Milk Chocolate Bar. So, without reservation and with all haste, I issued an executive order to the registrar to grant straight A’s all the way to graduation (just kidding). But there’s a story behind why she gave a Godiva bar.

In chapel a few weeks ago, I spoke about the difference between exquisite Godiva Chocolate bars and the common, everyday candy — like M&M’s or Tootsie Rolls. Don’t get me wrong… I like M&M’s and Tootsie Rolls. Cheap candy occupies an important place in our universe, much like bargain movies and carnivals. But, Godiva is the Queen of Chocolate. To woo Angie on Valentine’s Day, I do not go to CVS and pick up a bag of Tootsie Rolls. I splurge on the soul-satisfying Godiva gift box because she is worth every penny. Godiva speaks volumes of value, excellence, and quality.

My vision is for all of us at Santa Fe Christian Schools to strive for the Godiva-level of distinction that we are all capable of achieving. I have challenged all students and all employees to adopt a Godiva-mindset when it comes to all aspects of their lives. Carol Dweck in her popular book “Mindset,” speaks of choosing to become a quality person. She says, “We like to think of our champions and idols as superheroes who were born different from us. We don’t like to think of them as relatively ordinary people who made themselves extraordinary.” Being ordinary is our fixed mindset, but we can choose to have a growth mindset and believe that we can develop and become remarkable and extraordinary.

I know in my heart that SFC is great in so many ways, and yet, we can choose to be remarkable and extraordinary. We can take steps each day to infuse a Godiva-mindset in our homes, our teams, our neighborhood, and our beloved Santa Fe Christian Community. Reject the sub-par Tootsie-Roll thoughts in your head and go for the Godiva.