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A Dresser of Sycamore Trees: The Finding of a Ministry
212 pages, 2019
Episcopalian minister, Garret Keizer, takes his inspiration from the prophet Amos, a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees, who also had the calling as a shepherd of human souls. This profoundly contemporary book, set in Keizer's community of Island Pond in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, displays not only a knowledge of life's small practicalities (winding the church clock, shopping for groceries), but also insights about faith and the mysterious ways of God.
With an eye attuned to both the pleasures and foibles that make life on earth so rich, Garret Keizer believes that God's intentions, if seldom apparent, are inevitably compassionate and wise to trust.
Chosen as one of the 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die, James Mustich recommends this memoir by saying, “Garret Keizer grapples with epiphanies and aggravations with equal eloquence . . . A Dresser of Sycamore Trees is an inspiriting book, its alertness to what one reader calls ‘the extraordinary dailiness of grace’ is both uncanny and true-to-life.”
In A Dresser of Sycamore Trees, Garret Keizer shares his journey of finding his true calling. He encourages readers to explore their own paths and not to be afraid of the unknown. His story is a testament that it's never too late to find your purpose.
Keizer's book is a testament to the power of faith. He shows how his belief in God guided him through his journey and helped him find his ministry. It's a great read for anyone looking to strengthen their faith or find comfort in their spiritual journey.
One of the key takeaways from A Dresser of Sycamore Trees is the importance of community. Keizer emphasizes how his community played a crucial role in his journey to becoming a minister. He encourages readers to look into their own communities for support and inspiration.
Keizer doesn't shy away from discussing the role of doubt in faith. He shares his own struggles with doubt and how it ultimately strengthened his belief. This book encourages readers to see doubt not as a weakness, but as a part of the journey of faith.
In his book, Keizer finds beauty in the simplicity of rural life. He shares how living a simple life allowed him to connect more deeply with his faith and his community. This book encourages readers to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of modern life and find joy in simplicity.