The Gift of Mistakes: A Lesson from Columbus for Chaplaincy
Christopher Columbus set sail in 1492, convinced he would find a new route to India. Instead, he made a mistake—one of history’s most famous ones. Instead of reaching the shores of Asia, he stumbled upon a land unknown to Europe at the time: the Americas. His error changed the course of history. Because of this mistake, new civilizations were connected, cultures collided, and the world expanded in ways no one could have imagined.
Mistakes, as Columbus proved, are not failures; they are uncharted pathways to discovery. This lesson is deeply relevant to the field of Chaplaincy and Chaplain Professional Education (CPE). Every Chaplain, whether in training or in active service, will face moments of misjudgment, misunderstanding, or miscommunication. But within these moments lies the potential for profound growth.
Mistakes as Learning Opportunities in Chaplaincy
In Chaplaincy training, mistakes are not signs of incompetence—they are invitations to learn utilizing the Action Reflection method in CPE. Just as Columbus’ miscalculation led to a new world, a Chaplain’s misstep in a patient interaction, a misread emotional cue, or a moment of uncertainty can become a powerful teacher.
Here’s how:
- Building Resilience Through Reflection
Just as explorers must navigate unknown waters, Chaplains often step into unfamiliar emotional and spiritual landscapes. When mistakes happen, reflecting on them fosters resilience. Asking, “What can I learn from this?” transforms a misstep into a stepping stone for deeper understanding. - Developing Deeper Compassion
When a Chaplain unintentionally says something that doesn’t resonate with a patient or a family, it is an opportunity to fine-tune empathy. Mistakes remind us that true spiritual care is not about perfection but about presence—being willing to learn, adjust, and be fully engaged. - Sharpening Skills Through Experience
In CPE training, role-playing difficult conversations often highlights mistakes in approach or wording. Instead of fearing these moments, Chaplains are encouraged to embrace them. Just as Columbus adjusted his course after realizing he wasn’t in India, Chaplains refine their skills, becoming more attuned to the needs of those they serve. - Embracing the Unknown with Courage
Chaplaincy is often about stepping into the unknown—walking into hospital rooms, counseling those in crisis, or engaging in deep spiritual conversations. Like Columbus, Chaplains must set sail with faith, knowing that even when they make mistakes, they are still moving forward.
The True Discovery
Mistakes in Chaplaincy are not the end of the journey; they are the beginning of a deeper, richer understanding of spiritual care. Just as Columbus’ miscalculation led to a new world, every misstep a Chaplain makes can open new doors of wisdom, compassion, and growth. Because of Columbus’ mistake, we live today in the USA and are able to do CPE…
On a personal note, I made many mistakes as a CPE Trainee and my CPE Supervisors received many complaints and even letters from CEOs at two hospitals (in Colorado and Indiana states) about my horrible mistakes.
So, the next time you find yourself reflecting on a mistake, remember Columbus. His error changed history. Yours might change a life.
