The Wisdom of Father Heath - Finding Purpose in Life's Small Moments
Robert Bianchi, ESQ., NREMT
NJ Criminal Defense Attorney; TEDX Speaker; Mindset Speaker; NJ Certified Criminal Trial Attorney; Frm. Morris County Prosecutor; TV Legal Analyst; Host Nothing But the truth Radio/Podcast; EMT South Orange Rescue Squad.
Sirens & Summations | Newsletter #3:
The Wisdom of Father Heath - Finding Purpose in Life's Small Moments
Dear Friends,
Today's newsletter is special. I want to share a story that has profoundly shaped my understanding of purpose and meaning in life. While longer than our usual format, I believe it's message is central to our journey of finding purpose and resilience in life's chaos. People are often looking for meaning and fulfillment. I truly believe this is the answer in large measure.?
Simple Steps!?
"If I can change one person one millionth of a degree for the better, than that's enough for me."
The Eccentric Priest Who Changed My Life
To the students at Providence College, Dominican Father Walter Heath was often viewed as eccentric, odd, off. You could find him virtually every day walking around campus talking to himself, or sitting on a bench, talking to the squirrels, trees, and other animals that surrounded him. Tall, lanky, with his white Dominican cassock and rosary beads hanging from his belt, he cut an unusual figure. You know the type you could not stop looking at out of the side of your eye.?
?? Reflection Point: This priest showed me to always search and look beyond someone's "eccentric" exterior to discover the wisdom they might hold? Everyone has a story, everyone can teach a lesson.
What many didn't know was that this "quirky" priest was also a former naval commander of a submarine who had made a life-altering commitment to God during World War II. His journey from military commander to spiritual leader would teach me invaluable lessons about purpose and mindful living. What was most powerful was how he lived his passion each and every present moment.? He not only had a “theory” of life, but like a Navel commander he had an “operational plan” about living a fulfilled life.?
The Man Behind the Mystery
"He wasn't a man who sought fanfare or the affection of others. He was one of the most extremely comfortable men I had ever met." He had a quiet and unflappable confidence.? He had a defined mission/purpose, and he had the method of carrying it out.?
Three defining qualities set Father Heath apart:
?? Reflection Point: How comfortable are you with solitude? What might it teach you about yourself?
The Curious Case of the Cafeteria Utensils
One of Father Heath's most puzzling habits was his daily ritual in the cafeteria. I would watch as he took utensils from their convenient position on the counter, he would always bend down, get on his knees (and he was elderly so this took effort), and retrieve them from storage underneath.
This simple action, as I would later learn, contained one of his most profound lessons about purpose and mindfulness.
"The beauty of Father Heath was that when you spoke to him, you never realized, maybe until years later, that you were about to get a lesson in life."
?? Reflection Point: What small pleasures do you rush through daily? How might slowing down change your experience?
The Profound Purpose of Small Actions
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"He explained that while seemingly insignificant to the man's workload, he was helping contribute to at least one person that the worker did not have to cater to."
?? Reflection Point: What small acts of consideration could you incorporate into your daily routine?
The One Millionth Degree Philosophy
After becoming a priest, Father Heath had a crisis of paralysis professionally.? He had such grand ideas, he wanted to accomplish so much.?He didn’t know where to start, and when he did, he was often disappointed he wasn’t able to do more in bringing people to the faith. ?
Like most progress, it is borne from fire, adversity, downs, sorrows, and pain.? Father Heath needed an operational plan if he was to be successful as a priest.?
Father Heath's core wisdom emerged from his realization that he is only one flawed man.?
He realized these following truths:
He now only wanted to change just one millionth of a degree in each person he met, and when all those millions added up to one person, he'd ask God to take his life. That was it.? That was his life’s work.? Whether it was a big or small thing, it was only to do the best he could to bring a part of a person toward the love of God.?
Living the Philosophy Today
?? Final Reflection Points:
Albert Einstein was once asked what was the most powerful force on earth, and he responded “compound interest.” This was exactly what Father Heath was doing.? The compound interest of each day, in each moment, doing just a little thing that added up, made him a very wealthy man at the end of his life indeed.? The smile, and sermon, the speaking to yet another young teenager (me) to give me guidance, was all adding up. When Father died, I couldn’t help but to think:
“You finally made the millionth difference to a complete person—job well done faithful servant!”
Curiosity:?Once again, I get back to one of my themes, that being curiosity. I am so thankful that I approached and got to know Father Heath. Most were either afraid, or laughed at him as he talked to the squirrels and trees.? I saw something different.? I knew there was greatness there, and I was right.?
To this very every day, I try to remember that a smile, my humor, my work as a lawyer and EMT, my everything can point to a lifetime of meaning and accomplishment. ?
A Personal Note
I share this story now because it perfectly illustrates how finding our purpose isn't always about grand gestures or complete transformations. Sometimes, it's about the small, consistent actions we take each day, guided by mindfulness and compassion. We all, each and every one of us, has this power!?
Coming Next Week
? I'll share how Father Heath's wisdom about small actions proved invaluable during a pivotal conversation with former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey - a moment that would challenge everything I thought I knew about the purpose and direction of my life. It was another period of great tumult, but equally amazing spiritual growth.?
With gratitude, Bob
P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Father Heath's philosophy. Have you encountered similar wisdom in your own life? Share your reflections in the comments below.
Retired Public Affairs Professional
2 个月As a member of the Residents Board and a dorm president, I sometimes found myself at odds with Fr. Heath. But rather than dole out punishment or scold, Fr. Heath would always explain his point in a story or a saying he picked up through the years. Yes, eccentric, odd at times, but he was a man full of love for students and all who crossed his path. I am a better person having known Fr. Heath and always smile when I think of him. God bless Fr. Heath. ??
Healthcare Operations Leader \ Strategic Thinker \ Collaborative Change Maker \ Servant Leader \ Just Culture and High Reliability Champion \ Solutions Driven Executive
2 个月Thanks Bob for sharing your insights into a very unique and extraordinary man. PC Class of ‘82, I knew Father Heath very well and was an RA for 2 years. Like many great souls, he was often misunderstood and therefore few knew the depth of his wisdom and kindness. This world could certainly benefit today from all he had to offer as the lessons he taught me remain timeless.
Recovery and Re-entry Leader
2 个月Father Heath was an amazing and unique individual. I was in one of the last classes he taught before becoming ill. His lessons have played a major part in my life.
Director of Revenue Development - Workers Compensation Research Institute. Award-winning author.
3 个月Bob, thanks for posting this. I think you captured Fr. Heath very well. I, too, was one of the million! I worked for Fr. Heath and we didn't always see eye-to-eye, having gotten off on the wrong foot. But when it was time for a letter of reference for graduate school, he wrote for me a powerful endorsement that went beyond the usual platitudes. The lessons I learned from him (seeds) took years to fully bloom, and your piece on him has refreshed my memory of just how enriching an environment we found ourselves in. Thank you!
Chief Business & Government Relations Officer at Acenda Integrated Health
3 个月Bob, your message is so profound. I can completely identify having been so fortunate to have Father Joe Hennen, who founded Daytop NJ, as a mentor, a role model and a dear friend and I met Joe at a young age. looking at life and embracing life with total optimism was Fr. Joe's way! And a way so many who knew him followed.