By Steph Fink
I’ve been infected with a rather contagious syndrome. I wonder if you’ve ever beencontaminated with it?
I saw a skinny woman “house” a huge plate of foodand thought, “MUST BE NICE” as this caged tiger continues to count her WeightWatchers’ points.
I saw the cleaning crew outside my neighbor’s home andthought, “MUST BE NICE” as I just finished using my Pampered Chef scraperto “clean” the top shelf of my fridge.
I heard a friend say, “Oh, my parents took the kids togive me a break” and thought, “MUST BE NICE” as I remember there are somany 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 awayfor eleven days next month” and I thought, “MUST BE NICE” as Iwas smack dab in the middle of my husband’s three month trip in Europe.
The “MBN” syndrome is a pretty potentdisorder…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 yourmind” 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 Ihave to dig a little deeper to find the “thank you” in themoment. That particular day was noexception.
I saw this saying on my friend’s Facebook page, “What if youwoke 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 Ican 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 babysittersto 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 bewith. (Because there was a time…)
Where have you been most vulnerable to see the MBN Syndromepop up? As Thanksgivingapproaches, what are you thankful for today?
Steph’swriting has appeared in Proverbs 31 Ministry, P31 Woman magazine. Inher free time she can be found encouraging numerous MOPS group in thenorthern Virginia area on the “Colorful Art of Friendship – AllowingGod to Paint the Masterpieces” and MOPS leaders on “Being a BrightLight”.
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.