The lesson an onion can teach us is quite powerful. Many times I have wondered if the onion could have possibly been the forbidden fruit. I know many think it is an apple, but it never says what the forbidden fruit actually was. Could it be possible the onion was on a tree at one time and that too was cursed to the ground? Okay, I am really not here to get into a theological debate, but rather to share some perspectives about the onion and how they compare to us.
First, here are some fun facts you may have not known about the onion. Did you know in ancient Egypt that onions were considered an object to be worshipped? I happen to love onions, but I don’t worship onions. Onions also symbolized eternity to the Egyptians because of the anatomy of the onion and its circle-within-a circle structure. My first thought was it also has a similar structure to how the earth is made with its many layers and core. Onions even prevented thirst and helped people during times when food was scarce because they were hearty and could be dried for later use. Although I have to say, onion juice would not be my first choice, but if I was dying of thirst, sign me up!
Scripture even talks about onions. The Israelites longed to eat onions when they left Egypt and complained about the manna that was provided:
We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted. But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna! Numbers 11:5-6
Onions have great medicinal use. When I was young my mother used to make onion poultices and wrap them around my neck when I had tonsillitis. I know this sounds extreme, but it worked. It would draw out the infection every time. Hmmm…maybe, that was why no one wanted to play with me when I was little. I am just kidding, but onions have been known to be helpful for digestion, a great diuretic and also good for your joints and eyes. It is even said onions have been used for embalming purposes.
Onions come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but they are rooted into the same thing which is the ground. Some are sweet, others are not so sweet. Many times you can find yourself crying while peeling back the layers of an onion. We also come in many shapes, sizes and colors and God desires us to be rooted in Him. Each of us have various personalities which can be sweet or not so sweet. I know God has made me peel off a few layers as I grow in relationship with Him, which has been quite painful a time or two and has made me cry.
People often complain about onions because they can give you bad breath, without looking at all the positive things an onion can do for you! An onion is all about our perspective. We can look and see the value of the onion or think it is the worst thing on earth. I bet you never thought about the life lessons from an onion, but God created it for us to enjoy, and to learn from it.
Just like with an onion, sometimes the most valuable lessons are the ones which expose our inner layers and bring tears to our eyes as a result of a newfound perspective.
