What Inspires Me Series: "The Serviceberry" by Rodney Tissue

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World
By Robin Wall Kimmerer
Illustrated by John Burgoyne

We received “The Serviceberry” book as a gift; a simple, but thought-provoking little book. Using the serviceberry tree as a guiding metaphor, it teaches restraint, gratitude, and reciprocity.  Essentially, everyone has their own ‘abundance’ and by gifting to others, they should share in kind.

It reminds me so much of my childhood in the Appalachian mountains of western Pennsylvania where it seemed neighbors routinely shared and cared for each other.  My favorite quote is “all flourishing is mutual”.

We are in a time of cognitive dissonance.  Things we long accepted as “good” (such as equality) are being labeled “evil” and things we long knew as wrong (like denying aid to the poor) are glorified as righteous.   This book helps calm that dissonance a little. 

It inspired me to buy an Allegheny serviceberry from ACWA and hopefully each summer, it will remind me of the lessons of this book.

Send us your tips on for staying inspired (book, podcast, activity, etc.) to info@acwamaryland.org

Here’s a picture of me with my little tree and book. -Rodney