PRN

PRACTICE: Think of something you do only when it becomes necessary.

Occasionally, I work out too hard or run when I should not (I should never run) and end up with a hefty lower back pain. After several years of complaining to my physician who tactfully suggested that I stop the actions that cause the pain, I was prescribed a drug to be taken P.R.N. (abbreviation for Latin – pro re nata) – as needed or as the occasion arises. My lower back is the occasion for the drug, but the occasion is precipitated by my inappropriate actions.

Much of what ails most of us is precipitated by frequent and unbridled inappropriate actions. Unfortunately, by the time we get around to seeking a solution, P.R.N. is no longer an option. I don’t need to make a list for you but here is my classic example. I weigh twice a week, Tuesday and Friday. Several weeks after sheltering in place, 2 pounds were miraculously added to the scale between the two days. Increased exercise and decreased salty snacks became my P.R.N. remedy. I continued to repeat this unhealthy cycle…eat the snacks, gain the weight, stop eating the snacks.

When it comes to seeking to live healthy, wholesome and holy lives, P.R.N. (as needed) is not a good strategy…unless we adopt the posture that it always needed…which means that P.R.N. is no longer the proper descriptive term. Physical activity that gets the heart rate up every day, is needed. We all need to pay close attention to what we place in our mouth as food and drink every day. Stretching ourselves spiritually, emotionally and intellectually daily is a necessary habit. These cannot be an occasional occurrence in our lives. If they are, then the lack of them being a daily practice might put us in a danger zone.

Back to my P.R.N. medication, it is good thing that I have it. It would be a better thing if I stopped the practices that caused me to need it. Why? There is always the potential that over time my P.R.N. use will become “q.d.” (abbreviation for Latin – quaque die) which means every day. A side effect of chronic long- term use of the drug could result in liver damage.

I asked you to think of something you do only when necessary. Think again, but this time look for things that are related to your spiritual and physical well being, which may require P.R.N. intervention of some sort. What actions can you take now to lessen the potential that the P.R.N. fix becomes a more permanent feature in your life?

Proverbs 28:13

PONDER THIS THOUGHT---A quick fix makes a bad habit more palatable.