My mom, who cries whenever she hears “Pomp and Circumstance,” claims she can still remember my high school graduation 35 years ago. She would likely agree with Mark Batterson, who wrote, “Time is measured in minutes; life is measured in moments.” Watching your child graduate is one of those moments highlighted on the timeline of your life and will be experienced by many parents this month as their child dons a cap and a gown, crosses a stage and receives a diploma. Whether that ceremony marks the end of preschool or graduate school, the event bears significance and should be celebrated.

To the Class of 2012:

Congratulations! You have anticipated this for a very long time. The years devoted to your education will be crowned with a well-deserved degree, and as soon as that paper is in your hand, your parents will likely breathe a huge sigh of relief. While some may view this day as an end to education, I pray it is only a step to the next level of learning.

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 2012 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.

God has blessed you with unique talents and abilities. Use those gifts well. Eric Liddell discovered one of his talents on the track. Running was his favorite sport, and he excelled at it. He said, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”

Scheduled to run the 100-meter race in the 1924 Olympics, he was Britain’s hope for winning a gold medal. However, Liddell dropped out of the race because it was scheduled on a Sunday, and he refused, saying, “Sunday is for worshipping God, not sports.” Instead, he qualified for the 400-meter race. He not only won that race but set a world record in the process.

This graduation milestone marks another leg of your race; the end of one endeavor and the beginning of your next. May the future hold many new joys and accomplishments and be a continuation of all of the good things you have already achieved.

And parents, it’s OK if you cry. My Mom would.

Ronny may be reached at rmichel@rtconline. com.