Lent is almost upon us, which means it's time for Christians everywhere to give something up in preparation for Easter. Every year for the 40 days before Easter Christians give something up that they really like to fast like Jesus did in the desert before his death. Typically people give up things like dessert, soda, or even social media. This year why not try doing something instead of giving up something?

For the past two years I have taken up a challenge instead of giving something up for Lent. My challenge was to recognize a way in which God was working in my life every day. Each night while journaling I would make my first sentence: Today I saw God in [insert God moment here].

Picking out a God moment from each day required reflection. I would have to sit and truly think about my day and the ways in which God was at work. As Christians we are told that God is always with us and always working in the world, but I think we often forget about it. We live each day with God at the back of our minds, but when you actively seek God out each and every day He is at the front of your mind always.

Recognizing God in a moment every day requires us to slow down and think. We live in a fast-paced world, which can be very draining both emotionally, physically and spiritually. Writing down a way in which you saw God each day is a way to rejuvenate yourself. It allows you love for your soul, rest for your body and reflection time for your spirit.

Some days it's harder than others to come up with a God moment. I can remember there being certain days where I had to sit and think for five or even ten minutes, but I always came up with a moment I saw God each day. Doing this for Lent brought me closer to God and allowed me to see him more clearly in my day-to-day life. I was struggling in my relationship with God last year, but after Lent our relationship was stronger because I put time into working on it.

It's easy to forget why you aren't eating junk food for 40 days. It becomes second nature to you. And when the 40 days are up nothing has changed. You go right back to eating it. But with recognizing God every day a real change is felt. When the 40 days end you will be closer to God and have a tangible list of all the moments you saw him in your life.

While it may be easier to just stop eating ice cream for 40 days, I challenge you to do something outside of the box this year. Writing down a moment you saw God each day is the perfect way to reflect as the Lenten season calls us to do. Plus it's easy to pair this Lenten activity with giving something up if you want to go a step further. Whatever you choose to do for Lent this year don't forget the reason for the season.