Last Saturday, Mason Ligon passed away. He did not want to have a formal funeral service, which is understandable. However, I would like to say a few things in regards to his earthly life that God gave him. I guess it’s the preacher in me. I just have to talk.

Ironically, for the better part of the last five days, I have been a bit speechless. Like most people, I was not expecting his death and it really took me by storm. I still expect Mason to show up Sunday at church and sit in his favorite spot (back, left corner). I still expect to see him with his customary educator tie on. I still expect to get a smile and a friendly handshake from him.

It all seems hard to believe because my family and I had just visited with Mason and Mary a couple of weeks ago. As always, Mason was jovial, kind, and funny. Just to show you what kind people they were to me, they made sure to send me and my girls home with cookies, chips, and drinks. Mason saw to it that we got out of Halifax without getting lost (forget about gps out there.)

From what I have heard from others, Mason made sure that a lot of people didn’t get lost. He cared for students and athletes with a tender and compassionate heart. I can’t imagine how many lives he has impacted through his work as a teacher, administrator, and coach. I don’t know if Mason even knew the full extent of how he reached out to so many kids, co-workers, parents, neighbors, church family, and others.

There is a terrible ache in my heart. So, I can’t imagine the pain that his closest family and friends feel at this time. Especially for his wife, Mary, I grieve. Those two were nearly inseparable. They were always traveling somewhere together or planning to travel somewhere. As Deacons in the church, they even served communion together. One of my favorite memories of Mason is watching him serve communion. When he would come to the front of the church he would extend his arm to guide Mary up the one step to the communion table. It was such a small, but touching gesture of love.

With great repetition, I have read John 14 to people at a lot of funerals. Jesus says in that scripture, “Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.”

Mason knew the road that Jesus was talking about. He lived, walked, and remained faithful to the path that God laid out for him. May we do the same as we continue this pilgrimage of life.