A major changing of the guard is happening in the Mason family....the patriarch has [assed on, and the privilege of family leadership now flows into the hands of the next generation.....

I am confident they will manage the transition well, because of their father's example.....

and that is what I would like to talk about for a few minutes as we celebrate John's life and the legacy he leaves that is found in his family and friends

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

42 years.........of hard work at Orlandi gear.....never missing a minute of work except for deer season

expended all his energy on the shop floor to provide for his family...

his example was one of hard work and provision for those he loved....

Proverbs 24:30-34

I went past the field of a sluggard,
past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
31 thorns had come up everywhere,
the ground was covered with weeds,
and the stone wall was in ruins.
32 I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
34 and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.

When we met at Riverside I heard story after story of how Mr. Mason had fun with the kids,

playing hide and seek

bringing home cats, dogs, pheasants, owls.......to name a few

learned the art of letting go....laughing instead of crying

Prov 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

At the hospital I couldn't get him to talk about how he was doing, is he ready to meet the Lord....etc....

because all he wanted to tell me was the latest about his kids and grandkids.....

1. Be ready to go.....He said to me I am ready to go......

Asked me to pray it will be fast and as painless as possible....

2. Felt like he had equipped his children as best he could to face life head on....

3. Gratefulness -

to Tina for all the time and energy she put into caring for him

Gerry and Patty for spending the whole day in the hospital with him

John - for your willingness to make a space for him in Aunt Beulah's room....

I have been involved in a lot of people moving on over the years.......and very rarely were they as grateful as Mr. Mason.....

Are you ready?

Mr Mason knew his days on earth had come to an end....

Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

We will all be at this point some time in the future....

Lord I realize I am a sinner....

I accept your sacrifice for my sin.....

I welcome you into my life....

Teach me to follow you....all the days of my life...