Lighthouses don't go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining."
- Anne Lainot
This week, the world lost a man with a giant heart and dynamic soul. Tyler’s ever-present optimism was contagious. He possessed this uncanny ability to demand the best version of ourselves without actually asking us to rise to the occasion. What Tyler never truly knew was that by letting his own light shine, he gave those around him permission to do so.
His guiding spotlight was instinctual; mature beyond his years, Tyler could connect personally with all creatures and meet them where they were at in that moment. How does one recognize so young his role as everyone’s keeper…as the people’s champion?
Command over our lives and our destinies is something that we all desire. But in a universe in which everything is mutually independent, and in a world that inarguably has gone a bit mad, it’s hard to feel like we have any measure of control. But there is one thing we all seem to have in spades, and that is influence. We leave impenetrable imprints on each other by being who we are, saying what we say, and doing what we do. In the end, the only real decision we have in the matter is whether or not that influence is going to be positive or negative.
For Tyler, his steadfast faith gave him the strength and courage to look for the positive in all he faced. Tyler loved God and leaned on Him. Tyler lived purposefully, fighting for those who couldn't fight for themselves and speaking up when he saw injustice. No matter how big a challenge seemed, Tyler trusted that God would be with him. His favorite Bible verse is very telling of how he approached life. Proverbs 3: 5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Tyler's residual effect was always nothing short of magic. Whether it was a personable note of encouragement, his inclusive and dynamic energy with friends and family, his goofy sense of humor that was always accompanied by an outlandish creative “what if” idea, he always shined.
Like all of us, over the years he grew worn by the weather and the waves of life, yet his lamp always burned brighter than most. It was his gift to us.
Tyler: You were and will always be our lighthouse. That vibrant entity on the edge of a rugged cliff calling us home. We will go forward and remember, in your honor, that happiness can be found in even the darkest of times...if one only remembers to flip the switch and serve as brilliant illumination to others.
So that is our promise to you, dear friend. You will remain our lighthouse, and memories of your endless kindness will send out hope in the night. We stand in solidarity behind your legacy of love and service to others, and each of us commit to bringing the light forward as you did.
Please join us in sharing your personal stories and photos here of how Tyler’s light radiated in your world by using the "Well Wishes" button above. You can also help out with a food train for the Griffin family here:
https://mealtrain.com/l144n4
