I don’t think I’ll ever forget the moment my last child, Victoria, received her college degree.

Now equipped with an education in Psychology and English, my daughter will enter the workforce. Where? The details aren’t in, but she’s promised to keep us posted.

However, if I ever do forget her graduation, it will be much longer before the image of one of her classmates is erased from my mind.

Picture it. Thousands of family members and friends are seated in the football stadium. In the distance, we can see the line of graduates approaching the field from a building across the campus.

Pomp and Circumstance begins to play as they leave the paved sidewalk and begin their procession across the field. Then, midway through, someone falls to the ground. My efforts to find Victoria stop as I begin a silent plea for someone else’s daughter to get up.

I wasn’t alone. Tension hung in the air as the girl was helped up but struggled to walk. The height of her platform shoes was no match for the newly turfed football field and her ankles rolled with every step.

Someone in my family said, “Look there’s Victoria.”

“Victoria who?” I thought as I joined those around me to stare and strain toward the girl who could not keep her balance.

Finally, after struggling to gain 20 yards, she took off her shoes and walked on as the crowd applauded. And in case you’re wondering, she walked across the stage barefoot.

I’ve never seen a more vivid picture of Hebrews 12:1. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

The whole graduation incident had me examining my life for things that cause me to stumble, trip me up and impede my progress. And I found a couple. If you can relate, join me in getting rid of everything that hinders progress. I’m cheering for you.

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