Confusion Over Lent

"Lent is traditionally described as lasting for 40 days, in commemoration of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry, during which he endured temptation by Satan."

Not many are up to challenging church traditions but think about the season of Lent for a moment. Above it cites the reason for the forty days which is when Jesus actually started His ministry by fasting in the desert. Lent comes now 40 days before Easter, the day He rose from the dead; not at the start of any ministry but at the end of his earthly ministry. 

Those who celebrate Lent for the most part deprive themselves of something or give up something they like to draw them closer to Jesus. Various things are given up with the intent of when they want or desire that item that they think about Jesus. 

I think about Jesus all the time and I don't have to give anything up to get to that point. This Lenten season I am going to do something good instead of taking away something or depriving myself. In thinking of Jesus as I do I wonder if he would approve of us depriving ourselves of something that God has provided us for our benefit or enjoyment or if He would rather I do something good in his name. I think this is going to be more difficult than giving something up. 

I personally think the church over the years may have gotten this all wrong and by doing something good to/for someone else would help set a Christian pattern which we could carry forward the rest of the year. If we all just did something good for someone else each day what kind of a world would be have?