“I’m tired of feeling fat and lazy,” she said.

No one would ever use either word to describe my friend, but I know what she means. Mostly, she’s just tired. So am I. We’re both tired of winter, tired of struggling to keep food in its proper place, and tired of falling short of our fitness goals. For me, that weariness has also extended into my spiritual life, though I’m not eager to admit it. I shared with my friend that during Lent, I want to “hit the reset button” both physically and spiritually.

I’m also asking God to show me what to set aside this season in order to make more room for Him in my day to day life. The list of what I’m giving up won’t make it into a blog post, but I would like to share another list that will probably be just as important in accomplishing what I’m setting out to do.

Here are my 7 things to keep for Lent. 

A grateful heart. Self-denial is not the same thing as deprivation, so I will not succumb to feelings of self-pity. Instead I will give thanks, aloud, for whatever is in my line of sight.

A quiet mind. I’m determined to stay quiet and listen for His voice, rather than try to escape the silence with distractions.

A hungry spirit. I will allow myself to get empty so I can be filled, and I will remember that soul-hunger can only be satisfied by feasting at His table.

Moving. My body was designed for movement. Rather than dwelling on how hard it is to exercise, I’m going to delight in doing what I was created to do.

Praying. Sometimes on my knees—most often on my cozy couch—but more than ever, and with expectancy.

In the word. Daily, consistently, slowly, and prayerfully.

Off the scale. Since I can only listen to one voice at a time, the scale will have to wait until after Easter to have its say.

I don’t promise to keep you posted about how I’m doing. (I’m already a little uncomfortable saying as much as I have).

But God is so good, always, and every sacrifice given in His name returns a blessing. Always. So I know I will come out of this Lenten season with more than I could ever give up and for that I’m already so thankful.