Onion Effect

Every now and then, I spend time in the kitchen preparing meals for my family. There are some times where I try to get a little fancy and use onions. Anyone who has ever been in the kitchen with onions knows that onions can be a feat in themselves. I feel good and inspired when I get started but as I chop and cut up the onion, I typically begin to grow sensitive. My eyes begin to water and even burn a little. I fight through to the finish because I know the onion adds value and taste to my meals. I’ve even noticed that once the onion is cut and the meal is complete, I sometimes have a residual onion scent on my fingers. This lingering scent keeps me aware of the preparation process and the worthwhile outcome.

Have you ever experienced the onion effect in your life? It’s the effect described above. It occurs during times when you are on the verge of experiencing a new level on your life journey. A journey that remains incomplete until you’ve reached your full potential and can experience the life you were created to live. But as you probably already know, this worthwhile outcome requires a preparation process. The preparation process ensures that you can fully and completely appreciate the outcome. To get to the outcome, there is a shedding that almost always gets to the core.

As you transition, layers of fear, self-doubt, and worry will surface. Transition periods often rear things up from the past. Insecurities. Disappointments. Turmoil. Secrets. The layers of life begin to peel backwards. Things that seemed so right and so normal become questionable. Before you know what hit you, you realize that you are sensitive to everything around you. You may find yourself crying more frequently. More reserved. More angry.  You may begin to question so many things about your life. Maybe even question how and whether to move forward.

Then an inner determination kicks in. You push yourself past every uncomfortable feeling. You stay strong until you realize that you’re in the middle of a transition. You persevere until the difficult time passes. You become focused on the end result and become willing to peel those layers back and accept any of the consequences. You regain control of your course.

By the time the transition period comes to a close you are amazed at everything that was revealed during the preparation process. There are times when the scent of that process lingers in your mind. During those times you just sit back and live in the current moment. You see that the outcome was worthwhile. You embrace the fact that the onion effect is not always pleasant in the beginning but the outcome is always worth it.

As you experience the onion effect in your life, remember Jeremiah 29:11. It reads, ““For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”” As your layers are peeled, you are become stronger and stronger. The pain will be temporary. You were created to prosper. Embrace the onion!