Lent will start this week, and many are thinking what they want to do during this season before Easter to glorify God and prepare their hearts.

Lent is observed by many Christians including the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, and Roman Catholic Churches. Some Anabaptist and evangelical churches also participate, according to Wikipedia.

Lent is a season for Christians to prepare their hearts for Easter, when Christ died to save the world. It is counted 40 days before Easter to commemorate the 40 days that Jesus was in the desert being tempted by Satan.

Christians usually pick something during this season to give up, but this isn’t the only thing you can do to get involved. Because you’re supposed to grow nearer to God, giving up something is supposed to spur you to spend more time in church and in prayer. So instead of reaching for that drink of soda or batch of cookies, remind yourself to pray or think of what Jesus endured for you to have eternal life. That’s the point of Lent.

Other than going to church a little more often and skipping meat on Fridays, Lent is really a time for growth and reflection. It is a time to really refocus yourself on how important God is in your life. It’s a time to thank him for everything he does for you every single day. Maybe this lent you can start habits that will travel to the rest of your year too. You could start reading your Bible, do a devotion, volunteer at your church or save up money to donate to a charity.

Make a positive change this Lenten season to refocus your life on Christ.