March 11

Jan Hoffman served one summer as the interim director at Camp Fowler. Jan currently co-pastors First Reformed Church of Scotia with her husband and helps lead some of Fowler’s contemplative spiritual retreats.

Psalm 107:17-22

The Psalmist describes sickness, even unto death, but the Lord gave forgiveness and healing. The context isn’t one of thanksgiving, it’s one of wandering in the desert, and God’s people are whining more than thanking! Sometimes we forget that the antidote to grumbling is gratitude (so writes a favorite author, Jan L. Richardson). How do we give gratitude in the Lenten desert?

I have been a part of Camp Fowler most of my life: as a child at summer camp, as a chaplain leading kids at summer camp, and as a retreat leader and participant. I go to the camp by the mountain lake to get redirected and realigned, for rest, for a time to remember where I am and whose I am. When I’m wandering in the desert, it’s easy to whine; I often forget to thank God for the many blessings of healing and forgiveness in my own life. When I spend time at camp, in any season, it’s easy to remember to give thanks. I hope you have a similar place in your life.

As the Psalmist here reminds us, may this time of Lent be one of gratitude as we look for the one who came with healing in his wings.

Prayer: Lord, in all the seasons of my life, may I offer thanksgiving with songs of joy. Amen.

The 2015 Lenten reflections were submitted by staff, volunteers, board members, campers, and friends who have spent time at Camp Fowler in New York.

For this year’s Lent devotions, the days follow the Common Lectionary texts. Each author was invited to: 1.Read the passage.
2.Read a couple passages before and after the assigned day.
3.Do something else for the day, keeping the passage in mind.
4.Find a word/phrase/concept that connects with your own experience. Reflect on that.
You are encouraged to do the same.