May Day and Onions

Sorry I've been so absent (again). Between remodeling two bathrooms and enjoying the sun and working in the yard...I just haven't spent that much time at the 'puter.

Today is May first and there are many definitions/interpretations as to the meaning of it, or what it is celebrating or protesting.

I simply make it about flowers. People can't protest flowers, although I suppose if they were genetically engineered flowers, or grown by workers not receiving a living wage, or endangered species...then I guess you can protest.

But as for the flowers in my yard, none of the above apply. Dwarf Lilacs, Dutch Irises and Sweet Abelia all make me happy this time of year.

But I am struggling. I will post more about that later. I think what it all comes down to is onions. Layers and layers and sometimes God has to peel them away, one at a time, crying all the while...before He can lead us into the center of our struggles. The most challenging part of this is that it makes us cry, too.

I'm sure there's a better, more fitting analogy, but in truth I can't think of one. If you've ever had Walla Walla Sweets, you know what I mean. All I can think of is *sniff* that the aroma that makes both my eyes *boo-hoo* and my mouth water...knowing that the suffering of the odor...the stink...the stench...will eventually result in enjoying the flavor of the fruit.

So next time I am sauteeing onions I will try to remember that although the process of peeling the layers is sometimes unpleasant and often makes us cry, that there is a purpose and a reason and a worthwhile end result.

And when I think of my being a sweet fragrance to God, I must remember that sometimes I am a lilac and sometimes an I am an onion. Both are sweet, yet very different.

But no matter what, He appreciates the smell.