Saturdays with Melissa

The phone rang too early on a Saturday morning. I rolled over in bed and groaned.

“This is your employee. When are you picking me up?”

I chided myself for feeling annoyed. Our friend, Melissa, helped at our video store on Saturdays. She dusted and organized shelves—and she loved popcorn! When I offered her the 50-cent bag, she expressed her gratitude as only Melissa could.

“I’d like the big bag, please.”

I scooped the corn into the grocery-size bag. Melissa closed her eyes and savored each bite. You’d think I’d given her the world.

Melissa had a brain injury at birth that left her a little slower and more child-like for her 30-something years. She longed to drive a car, have her own home, get married, and have children. Most of her dreams wouldn’t come true this side of heaven. I knew that—and I wanted to encourage her and be her friend. But sometimes, being with Melissa could be exhausting.

Lord, I have so many blessings. Please help me be a blessing for Melissa.

God answered my prayers in His unique ways. He showed me how my attitude needed to be refined. He taught me to recognize opportunities to love and be loved often come disguised as inconveniences. 

I began to offer those Saturdays with Melissa as a form of worship. I prayed for grace and strength and patience. My heart melted when I drove to pick her up. She could barely contain her enthusiasm for her “job” at the video store. She always brought sacks of gifts . . . samples of body moisturizer from the local Avon rep, powdered drink mixes, coupons, candy, and even recipes cut from boxes of mac and cheese. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

When it was time to go home, Melissa hugged me. “Thank you, Deb. Thank you sooo much for my paycheck. My husband Randy and I wanted to give her a little something for her work. In typical “Melissa style,” she tucked her check into her purse, then added, “Will I be getting a raise soon?”

I looked forward to our Saturdays together, especially when Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer. She still insisted on coming to the video store. As time went on, she sat quietly in a chair watching movies. I reassured her that she was still a great employee.

Two short years later, after a valiant fight, Melissa was with her Lord and Savior. Sometimes when the phone rings on an early Saturday morning, I’ll think Melissa? Then I remember. God in His great mercy took her home where all of her dreams have been fulfilled.

I thought I was the one reaching out in love, but instead, I was the one most blessed because of Melissa.

Your kindness will reward you. Proverbs 11:17a (NLT)

Opportunities to love and be loved often come disguised as inconveniences @Grit_Grace @DebKalmbach
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