The MBN Syndrome

By Steph Fink

I've been infected with a rather contagious syndrome.  I wonder if you've ever been contaminated with it?

I saw a skinny woman "house" a huge plate of food and thought, “MUST BE NICE” as this caged tiger continues to count her Weight Watchers' points.

I saw the cleaning crew outside my neighbor's home and thought, “MUST BE NICE" as I just finished using my Pampered Chef scraper to "clean" the top shelf of my fridge.

I heard a friend say, "Oh, my parents took the kids to give me a break" and thought, “MUST BE NICE” as I remember there are so many layers to grief and how much I miss my mom not being here on earth.

I heard a friend tell me, "Oh, my husband's going away for eleven days next month" and I thought, "MUST BE NICE" as I was smack dab in the middle of my husband’s three month trip in Europe.

The "MBN" syndrome is a pretty potent disorder...it's rooted in self-centered and distorted thinking. 

Have you ever thought those three words, “Must be nice!”?

Romans 12:2 talks about the "renewing of your mind" and not conforming to the normal patterns of this world.

The best way I know how to renew my mind is to say, "Thank you".  Some days I have to dig a little deeper to find the "thank you" in the moment.  That particular day was no exception.

I saw this saying on my friend’s Facebook page, “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?”

That one gave me a little jolt back into reality!

Thank you, Lord, that I have enough food in my pantry that I can count points. (So what if I twitched saying and typing it?!)

Thank you, Lord, that I have a beautiful home to clean.

Thank you, Lord, that I have amazing friends and babysitters to help when I need a break.

Thank you, Lord, that I have an amazing hubby. 

Thank you that I have a hubby that helps and I desire to be with. (Because there was a time...)

Where have you been most vulnerable to see the MBN Syndrome pop up?  As Thanksgiving approaches, what are you thankful for today?

Steph's writing has appeared in Proverbs 31 Ministry, P31 Woman magazine.  In her free time she can be found encouraging numerous MOPS group in the northern Virginia area on the "Colorful Art of Friendship - Allowing God to Paint the Masterpieces" and MOPS leaders on "Being a Bright Light".

Steph can be found blogging at www.encouragedinheart.org or on Facebook at Stephanie Fink or on her Facebook page Encouraged in Heart - Stephanie Fink.  She loves big hair, big cups of coffee and big bear hugs.