Aaron Kren

When I think of God’s love, I ponder the piles of blessings and grace that I don’t deserve – an awesome wife,
nifty kids, and a job I enjoy. When I think of God’s love, I don’t usually think of God refraining from giving
me something.

Having children has helped round out my perspectives and get a taste of how God must feel at times. Our boys are at the age where they really let you know what they want – and they really let you know how upset they are if they don't get it.

Nathaniel, in his inquisitive nature will grab a pair of scissors from the counter. I, in my wise parental nature, will take the scissors away from him. Sure enough, out comes a tantrum of tears because I denied him something to play with.

Ben might request a piece of cake for dinner. Once again, I will operate in my gift of parental wisdom and insist that he eat his chicken before he can have any cake. This doesn’t always make sense to a 3 year-old boy. What makes sense to him is yummy chocolately cake – and the sooner the better.

I can only imagine how many times I’ve asked God for something that I was sure was the perfect solution.His reply must be “Trust me – I really do know what is best for you.”

I remember a time when I was working as a bench jeweler in Michigan. My boss told me of a possible opportunity to move into a management position at little shop in Lima, Ohio. I had wanted a management position and was really excited about the prospect. While waiting for the decision of my superiors, Michelle and I took a weekend trip down to Lima to check out the little town. Michelle was less than enthusiastic about the place. There were grain silos directly across the street from the mall where I would be working.

I, on the other hand, was excited about the prospect of an adventurous move and the opportunity to advance. In the end, someone else was chosen for the job. I didn’t understand what God was doing. It can be hard to understand what God is doing when you are in the midst of a situation. I now know that it was God’s love that was holding us back from going through that door. About 6 months later, another opportunity arose at a shop much closer to home with higher pay. I was the front runner for the position – which I didget. I was further convinced of God’s providence when a year later the shop in Lima closed down as part of the company’s restructuring process.

How quickly we can throw a tantrum when things don’t go the way we think they should go. We must remember that God is in control, and that only He can see the end from the beginning. Sometimes God’s love dishes out and sometimes God’s love holds back; but we can rest assured that He knows what is best for us and He promises to lead us in the paths of His  righteousness.