And for a few days, the country pauses.

This week, we’ve watched the ceremonies commemorating the passing of our 41st President of the United States of America, George H. W. Bush.

Texans, particularly, stand proud, welcoming President Bush home, to join his beloved wife, Barbara, and daughter, Robin, at his museum in College Station, Texas.

Flags are lowered. Stories shared. Government quiets. Heads bow.

We pause.

For high school seniors, it’s the admissions season, often filled with stress. With waiting. Worrying. Disappointment. And often, joy.

George H.W. Bush shouldered more challenges than we can imagine. From being shot down in World War II as a 20-year old naval pilot, to losing a young daughter to leukemia, to moving his young family to Odessa, Texas, where he lived in a rooming house with others less fortunate.

We know how his story ended. And as Americans, we are grateful.

So, parents, during this busy season of admissions with our sons and daughters, let’s help them to pause…to find joy in their letters of acceptance. Perseverance in their disappointments. And fortitude to carry on through their senior year.  Remind them that their story is just being written.

Join us at Baylor, during this season of Advent, as we pause in anticipation of the joy who is Christ to come.