Thanks, Tyler Fox. In a strange way, as you now stand in the presence of God, I am thankful. I’m not happy that your young life was seemingly cut short on Wednesday. I’m not happy that those you love and care about are feeling a supreme sense of loss. I’m saddened that what could have been a longer, more productive life, on the surface seems to have tragically ended.
I don’t like thinking about eternity, at least not yet. Whenever someone dies at a young age, it forces us to rethink our priorities, our joys and sorrows, what is real and what is fake. We too come face to face with our mortality and begin to question all that seems mundane and trivial.

But beneath the surface, Tyler is in more than just a ‘better place’. His contagious smile that always lit up the room is now enjoying the fellowship of Jesus. I don’t want to speak about Tyler in ‘past tense’, because he is more alive now than last week. He is, not was. Tyler is filled with an inexpressible joy, receiving the goal of his faith, the salvation of his soul. He is in Heaven, in God’s presence, and for this I’m thankful.

Thanks, Tyler Fox. Thanks for living your life, even now, eternally. We miss you but we also long to be where you are. Thanks for reminding us even in your death that we are not promised tomorrow. Thanks for showing us the need to live with Jesus today, knowing that we will be with Him forever.

Pilgrim
Psalm 119:50