Tobias’ Grateful Heart: A Lesson in Trust and Faith

 Tobias’ Grateful Heart: A Lesson in Trust and Faith

Yesterday, I had a heartfelt conversation with Tobias that left me reflecting deeply. I asked him, “Tobias, do you see me sad at times?” He looked at me with a gentle smile and replied, “No, why are you sad?” I hesitated, then answered, “Because I want you to be free and live the life you dreamed of for yourself.” Tobias, without missing a beat, said, “I am free!” This response caught me off guard. I pressed on, “But with all your disabilities, you’re so restricted. It makes me sad.” Tobias, with his calm and unshakable spirit, simply replied, “I don’t let my disabilities ruin my life!” 

His attitude towards life is unlike anything I’ve seen before. His peaceful acceptance reminds me of a monk’s quiet wisdom. He doesn’t dwell on what he has lost; instead, he embraces each day with gratitude and an unbreakable spirit. 


When I asked him how he can feel this way, he answered, “Our Father in Heaven loves me, and I love Him very much, too.” This simple yet profound declaration says so much. Tobias isn’t focused on the limitations of his physical world—he’s anchored in a faith that goes beyond it.

The Power of Gratitude and Faith

Tobias’s perspective is a powerful reminder that gratitude can transform our experience, no matter the challenges we face. He has an unwavering belief that life is bigger than the physical limitations we see. When he says, “I am healing, it will take time,” it’s not wishful thinking. It’s a calm acceptance of his journey, a trust that things will unfold as they should. We’re now exactly three years and three months since his brain bleed—a time filled with hospitals, therapies, and endless moments of courage. For Tobias, however, this time has been one of connection with God and faith in life’s purpose. His belief that God has a plan gives him comfort during even the toughest days, and it reminds me of the gentle ways God reassures us, often through those closest to us.

Family: The Backbone of Strength and Support

Having a loving family has been a vital part of this journey. Families are meant to be a source of unconditional support, a place where we can find strength and trust. They’re the ones who stay by our side when life feels impossible, offering hope and patience. For Tobias, our family is his constant, his support network, a unit bound by faith and love. And I see that, just as Tobias draws strength from us, we draw inspiration from his unshakable spirit.


Words of Wisdom from Scripture

Reflecting on Tobias’s journey, I find strength in sacred texts 
that speak to enduring faith, family,
and trust: 


  • The Book of Mormon: “And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.” (Moroni 7:33). This reminds us that our faith in Christ empowers us, even in our hardest trials, giving us strength beyond our own.

  • Old Testament: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1). This line from the Psalms gives comfort, showing that God cares for us, providing even in our darkest moments.

  • New Testament: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). This promise from Christ assures us that we don’t walk alone; in Him, we find rest.

I like Buddha's teaching as well, it has wisdom to draw from. 

  • Buddha’s Teaching: “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little.” Buddha reminds us to find gratitude even in the smallest lessons, knowing that growth often happens quietly and slowly.

The Journey Continues

Tobias’s faith and gratitude inspire me daily. His trust in God, his belief that he is “free,” and his resilience in the face of challenges teach me to trust the path we’re on. Our journey is still unfolding, and while we may not know exactly where it leads, we walk it together. Families are meant for this, to hold each other up, to believe in each other, and to be that unwavering source of strength. Tobias reminds me that life’s greatest freedom often comes from within, and with faith and family, even the hardest days are filled with hope.

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