Proverbs 10:17:“He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray.”Today’s Episode: Receiving Help Is WisdomEverybody wants to take the training wheels off. Get rid of the guardrails. Let me freestyle!Sometimes that freedom ends with us sitting in a ditch.On World Mental Health Day, here’s something I’m learning about receiving help in my chaplaincy practice.And I mean practice. This isn’t a side gig or something I’m doing on my way to the thing. Spiritual care is work I’m giving myself to.Part of our education involves what we call verbatims: written accounts of visits we’ve made, brought before our peers and educators for reflection.We don’t always bring the shiniest apple. Sometimes we bring a visit where we made a mistake, hit a limitation, or simply didn’t know what to do.Then the group picks it apart.Whew.There have been moments when I felt so vulnerable, I honestly wanted to cuss everybody out in the room.That’s your chaplain talking. Pray for me.But after I lick my wounds and stay in that circle, I begin to hear something my ego couldn’t hear at first.I am loved. These people hold me in high regard. And they’re helping me see the standard of care we’ve all committed to.I’m feeling the guardrails.I can feel exposed in that circle and still be safe enough to grow.Proverbs 10:17 says:“He who keeps instruction…”That’s the New King James Version. This proverb contrasts receiving instruction with refusing correction. It’s about how we walk through life, not a diagnosis of mental illness.And correction deserves discernment. Humiliation isn’t holy just because somebody calls it accountability.But when trustworthy people help me notice what I missed, can I stay present long enough to learn?The people I care for deserve more than my good intentions. They deserve a chaplain who keeps learning.Maybe the guardrail you’re fighting is helping you make the next turn.Receiving help is wisdom. Even when your pride needs a minute.

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