My Mom, who cries whenever she hears Pomp and Circumstance, claims she still remembers my high school graduation 41 years ago.

She agrees with Mark Batterson who wrote, “Time is measured in minutes; life is measured in moments.”

Watching your child graduate is a moment highlighted on the timeline of your life.

While my children have completed their formal education (I think!), my grandchildren are just beginning.

Olivia graduated from Wee Care Pre School and Adeline received her kindergarten diploma.

Their ceremonies brought as much joy as any graduation I’ve attended.

Each is significant and should be celebrated.

Congratulations to the Class of 2018!

Your diploma is well-deserved, but I pray it is only a step to the next level of learning.

Whether or not you ever enter another classroom, continue to learn.

A survey revealed that one-third of high school graduates never read another book for the rest of their lives, and 42 percent of college graduates never read another book after college.

I hope the Class of 2018 does their job to improve these statistics.

Be good stewards of the brain God issued to you and never stop learning. Above all, place the Word of God on your “Must Read” list of books.

Just as important as the lessons you’ve learned in the classroom are the ways you’ve grown as a person, the friendships you have formed and the deeper understanding you have acquired of yourself and others.

Remember the love of your family and friends. Remember your own sacrifices and hard work. And remember God has a special plan for your life. May the future hold many new joys and accomplishments and be a continuation of what you have already achieved.

And parents, it’s OK if you cried at graduation. My Mom did.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.