A few times here on the blog, I’ve asked you to pray for Mason, a little boy battling leukemia. Mason had just turned seven a few days ago. He was the grandson of a former pastor. He’d had leukemia, which had gone into remission. But then it came back. Mason battled hard, but finally went to be with the Lord a few days ago.
His family is rejoicing that Mason is now free from pain and with Jesus. But while there are no tears or sorrow in heaven, there are still plenty here. This sweet family has kept their eyes on the Lord through all the high and low points of this journey, but they have really been through the mill. If you think of them, I’m sure they could use prayer for grace and healing. They have two younger children.
While dealing with the death of any loved one is difficult, it hits especially hard when a child has died. His loved ones lose not only his presence, but the potential of all that could have been and the milestones that will be missed. We naturally feel that our children and grandchildren will outlive us, and it’s jarring when they don’t.
One thing that the death of one so young teaches us is that we’re not promised 80+ years. We don’t know the days God has appointed to us. May we not only live our days to their fullest as Mason did, but be ready to meet Jesus at any time.
And a young one’s home-going also reminds us that even a life of seven years can have an impact for eternity. As I have followed updates on the family’s Facebook page for Mason and read just a handful of the comments, it’s been clear that God has been moving in hearts.
Once when one of the children that Amy Carmichael was Amma (Mother) to passed away at the orphanage Amy established in India, she was comforted by something Samuel Rutherford had written to a grieving mother some 200 years earlier:
You have lost a child. Nay, she is not lost to you who is found to Christ; she is not sent away but only sent before, like unto a star which going out of our sight doth not die and vanish, but shineth in another hemisphere: you see her not, yet she doth shine in another country.
If her glass was but a short hour, what she wanteth of time that hath she gotten in Eternity; and you have to rejoice that you have now some treasure laid up in heaven…Your daughter was a part of yourself, and you, being as it were cut and halved, will indeed be grieved; but you have to rejoice that when a part of you is on earth, a great part of you is glorified in heaven…There is less of you out of heaven that the child is there. (Frank Houghton, Amy Carmichael of Dohnavur)
“What she wanteth of time that hath she gotten in Eternity.” Mason and little ones like him have a head start in heaven.
My heart aches for the family, and I pray that God’s merciful kindness will be for their comfort, according to His word (Psalm 119:76).
Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24.
(Sharing with Grace and Truth)
Stray Thoughts 
I have been praying and am so sorry for the family. I can’t imagine losing a child 😦 I hope you will share your thoughts here with them, because I think they are helpful. The Rutherford quote is such a comforting one.
I can’t imagine, either. He was about a year older than Timothy–that would be so hard.
Barbara, I am praying for Mason’s loved ones, including you. Thank you for offering the privilege of praying for Mason throughout his battle, and for sharing the news that he is free from the ravages of earth and safely Home.
Thank you, too, for sharing the comforting quotes.
Barb Paton
Thank you, Barb.
Such sad news but the words you shared are comforting. I hope Mason’s family are comforted by the prayers and the support of those around them at this difficult time.
Thank you, Wendy. They have some good support.
Thank you for your kind words and your thoughts. It has not been easy and it isn’t over. But we have been uplifted and carried by God’s grace and the prayers of thousands, most of whom we will never meet. That God is using Mason’s story blesses us.
Still praying for you all.
Aw, I am so sorry to hear that Mason is gone from his family here, even though it is a blessing for him to be out of all suffering. My prayers are with the family as they grieve.
Thanks so much, Lisa. I know they’ll need and appreciate them.
Thank you for the update, Barbara, and for that Rutherford quote. The Lord is our Comfort. May he surround Mason’s family.
Amen.
Praying for comfort and strength for Mason’s family x
Thank you, Wemi.
This spoke to me: “One thing that the death of one so young teaches us is that we’re not promised 80+ years. We don’t know the days’ God has appointed to us. May we not only live our days to their fullest as Mason did but be ready to meet Jesus at any time.” Amen. Teach us to number our days aright…May God comfort Mason’s family.
Thank you, Yvonne.
What a beautiful tribute to Mason and his family, Barbara. It is true that Mason is beyond all pain and suffering and is with the Lord, but his family here on earth misses him terribly, I am sure. Sending prayers for them. Thank you for letting us know about this little angel.
Thank you, Laurie.
I saw your link at the Grace and Truth link up. There is an unmatched sorrow in the death or suffering of a child, yet I have also seen the Lord touch families with peace in a way measurable to the sorrow. I appreciate your insight. “She is not sent away but only sent before.” Those are comforting words. Thank you for sharing Mason’s story. I pray for his family.
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