Mistakes and Lessons Learned

One of the most common occurrences that I encounter when I'm explaining my job to friends and family is the change of expression when I say that I'm working with former offenders. I understand, because I had a slight anxiety about that idea before beginning the job. What would it be like? Would I feel safe?

Actually, the coolest thing about this job has been the process of learning that we all have a lot in common (humanity, that is). We all make bad decisions sometimes, and a lot of times we don't feel any real consequences for our mistakes...but sometimes those decisions can completely change our lives.

A lady that I worked with today whispered to me in the Hope Center (which was basically empty at the time) that she had a felony charge "hanging over [her] head." She said that she wouldn't take up my time by talking about it, which is when I said, "No, no, I'm on your side. Let's talk about it. What happened?" She gave me some details... basically, it was a drug charge that resulted in her spending 13 months in the Department of Corrections.

Let me just stop here to tell you that this lady carries herself in the utmost professional manner and has the friendliest disposition. Despite living in a shelter, she always comes into the Hope Center looking very put-together and ready for an impromptu interview. I'd worked with her the past few times I've volunteered, yet she waited until today to tell me about her criminal background. (In fact, I asked her on Tuesday if she had anything on her record, and she said she didn't.)

The words that stood out in my mind the most today were when she said, "Mimi, I'm just so embarrassed about it." Gosh, can't we all relate to that! Messing up, making a stupid mistake (no matter how big or small), and feeling the shame that goes along with it. My program manager says that my downfall is that I can sometimes be "prideful" when I'm not careful, and I agree with that. Because of this, I completely understood my customer's feelings today.

We all make dumb choices sometimes and, a lot of times, dealing with the consequences isn't the hardest part. The hardest part (and the biggest potential for growth) occurs when we step back, acknowledge our mistakes, and become better because of them. I hope that my customer sees this, will grow from her experiences, and will find peace in her future endeavors.

Rhubarb and Walnut Muffins
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cups brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped rhubarb
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven 325 degrees F.

Combine dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients, mixing only until moist. Fold in rhubarb and walnuts. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over muffins. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.