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The Seamless Life: A Tapestry of Love and Learning, Worship and Work

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But what if we began to see all we are and all we do--our work, our play, our relationships, our worship, our loves--as significant to God and to what God is doing in the world? In these essays Steven Garber challenges us to move beyond our fragmented sense of reality, and to view life differently. Once we discover that there is no chasm between heaven and earth, and begin to see the truest truths of the universe woven into the very meaning of life and labor, of learning and liturgy, we are able to understand the coherence between the work of God and our lives in the world. This is the seamless life--to recognize the hand of God and the handiwork of God right in the middle of our ordinary lives. To see all of life as sacred.

128 pages, Hardcover

Published January 14, 2020

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Steven Garber

29 books16 followers

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Bill Pence.
Author 2 books1,039 followers
January 25, 2020
Steven Garber was the speaker at my 2014 Covenant Seminary graduation ceremony. After that, my wife and I read and discussed his excellent book Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good. This book also addresses the subject of vocation, which is also a passion of mine. The new book is comprised of short essays, each beginning with a photograph the author has taken related to the essay. The author tells us that this book is deeper than Visions of Vocation, and a deeper reflection on one question: What does it mean to see seamlessly?
Living a seamless, or coherent life, and vocation are key themes in this book, which is written so well. I often read the book over a cup of coffee sitting by the fireplace. The author addresses subjects as diverse as Bono (U2), his work with a variety of organizations such as Mars, Elevation Burger and the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, friendship, movies such as The Reverent and Unbroken, books such as The Hobbit, and a number of places he has lived in or visited.
I would recommend reading this short book slowly, savoring it. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
• To see the whole of life as important to God, to us, and to the world—the deepest and truest meaning of vocation—is to understand that our longing for coherence is born of our truest humanity, a calling into the reality that being human and being holy are one and the same life.
• But what if justice and mercy, honesty and integrity, truthfulness from beginning to end were the contours of our lives and labors? What if we decided that good business necessarily requires a more complex bottom line, a rethinking of the very purposes of business? What if doing well and doing good were a seamless reality? What if personal convictions were integrally woven into public practices?
• We yearn for things to be made right, for life to be as it could be, as it might be, as it should be—as it is supposed to be.
• Visions of vocation have to become flesh. They have to be worked out and lived into among friends, in neighborhoods, in small towns and big cities,
• The words vocation and occupation more often than not thread their way through my conversations, and I do my best to make clear that there is a difference and why the difference is important. The one is a word about the deepest things, the longest truths about each of us: what we care about, what motivates us, why we get up in the morning. The other is a word about what we do day by day, occupying particular responsibilities and relationships along the way as we live into our vocations. They aren’t the same word, and understanding that matters.
• Created to work, we are to find meaning in our work. But also, we are able to distort the meaning of our work, imagining that our work means more or less than it ought. Getting it right matters because work matters.
• The most interesting questions, the most important questions always are: Who or what is our reason for being? Why do we do the things we do? What does it all mean?
• Our vocations grow out of our beliefs about the way things are, about what matters and what doesn’t matter.
• Because vocation is a rich and complex word and is never the same word as occupation, we are always more than our work, though our work matters.
• Sometimes, sometimes, heaven meets earth in and through our work, and it becomes almost sacramental—and then sometimes we curse the very work of work. We are our best and our worst at work.
• Vocation is the longer, deeper story of someone’s life, our longings and our choices and our passions that run through life like a deep river; occupation is what we do day by day, the relationships and responsibilities we occupy along the way of our lives, more like the currents in a river that give it visible form.
• Most of the time getting a job isn’t so hard, but seeing our lives as a vocation is harder.
• We long for what we do to grow out of who we are, for our occupation(s) to be rooted in our vocation. That is the hope of everyone’s heart.
• We keep stumbling, longing for more coherent lives, where what we confess to believe looks like the way we actually live, where our deepest hearts are seamlessly worked out in the responsibilities and relationships of our lives.
• Vocations are not occupations, though they are integrally woven together. To know the difference and the difference it makes is critical, and much of the grief we experience is born of mistaking one for the other.
• This is what vocation is for everyone everywhere, a calling to care about the way the world is—even dreaming dreams about what might be—and working through the days of our lives at what could and even should be.
• We are disposed to dualism, to carving up our consciences to allow us to believe one thing and behave as if another thing is true.
• Grace, always amazing, slowly, slowly makes its way in and through us, giving us eyes to see that a good life is one marked by the holy coherence between what we believe and how we live, personally and publicly—in our worship as well as our work—where our vision of vocation threads its way through all that we think and say and do.
• Life is meant to be coherent—but we don’t experience it that way.
• People who like being married, who over time find honest happiness in marriage are most of all friends—good friends, true and trusted friends.
• Over time, marriage is not a long date. Instead it is a long friendship, a dear and unique friendship, a completely unique friendship.
Profile Image for Annie Riggins.
228 reviews34 followers
April 4, 2020
(3.5) This is a mine of life-changing ideas and questions. To anyone who has been a student of Dr. Garber, these chapters will be familiar as lectures and discussions had in class. My opinion is that one can take in these ideas and ask these questions better in class or discussion, than by the particular execution of this book.

I will remain a student of Garber’s my whole life through his words, and encourage everyone to read him!
Profile Image for Bob.
2,473 reviews725 followers
April 16, 2020
Summary: A collection of short reflections around the integral relationship between our daily life and work and the love of God, accompanied by the author's photography.

Steven Garber has written thoughtfully on the integration of faith and learning for students in The Fabric of Faithfulness, and of loving a broken word, joining with God's love for his creation in living out our callings in Visions of Vocation. This is a very different book that rings the changes on the themes of these previous books. Garber writes:

   This is a book about vocation, but a different book, a collection of essays and photos. An unusual effort for the publisher, it is new for me too. Rather than making an argument that is developed over scores of pages and many chapters, this one is a deeper and deeper reflection on one question: What does it mean to see seamlessly? To see the whole of life as important to God, to us, and to the world--the deepest and truest meaning of vocation--is to understand that our longing for coherence is born of our truest humanity, a calling into the reality that being human and being holy are one and the same life.

The book is a collection of short (2-3 pages each) essays that follow Garber across the country and through his personal history. We begin with a Madison Avenue company that consults with social entrepreneur non-profits seeking to do good work for the common good, later with one of the companies that are a client of the firm, situated in the Catskills, and then with faith leaders from different sectors of Pittsburgh committed to seeking the flourishing of their city. The journey continues across the country. These reflections are woven into ones on Garber's own history, from restoring order to a house he and his son are renovating to a visit to a New Mexico livestock auction, bringing back memories of his cowboy grandfather who worked out his belief in God in the way he worked with competence and character.

He reflects on movies, and on words like vocation and occupation; the common root of cult, cultivate, and culture; and proximate. He writes beautifully of the growing friendship he has shared with his wife, Meg and thoughtfully about how joy and sorrow are linked in our lives.

All of this is accompanied by the photography of the author at the beginning of each essay. Many of these could be hung in a gallery. One I love, because it is a view etched in my own memories, is the skyline of Pittsburgh at night from Mount Washington.

This is a wonderful book to be read slowly, perhaps as it has been written over the course of many journeys. It speaks to our longing not only that our lives would matter but cohere. This is a good book to give as a graduation gift, but perhaps a better book for one in the middle of life wondering if the endeavors of every day connect to the deep and transcendent longings of us all. It is far better than the waste of a mid-life crisis. It is a book for those who both love and grieve the world and wonder how this might be held together--seamlessly.

________________________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,592 reviews11 followers
May 18, 2024
Maybe I wasn't fully engaged enough to follow this one well. It felt like a stream of consciousness book and I needed more structure to be able to follow along.
Profile Image for Rick Shafer.
37 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2020
I've read all three of his books. This one is different. A collection of essays in a beautiful style. Garber's work is a great encouragement to Christians of every vocation. This book will be accessible to a wider audience.
388 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2021
I've never heard of Steven Garber, but picked up his book because of its intriguing title--The Seamless Life. Living a whole, integrated, life where work matters has been my passion for some time. This book is a gem.

Constructed of 35 very short essays--three to four pages each--Garber reflects first on the meaning of work, the nobility of work, before turning to making sense out of life in a broken world. The essays almost certainly are meant to be taken slowly, like sipping a good wine. I couldn't read them that way. Each was beautiful and intriguing in its own way and left me thirsting for the next so I finished the book in just a couple of days. I likely will return and read--savor--them slowly the way Garber probably intended.

"What does it mean to see seamlessly?" Garber asks in his first essay. "To see the whole of life as important to God, to us, and to the world--the deepest and truest meaning of vocation--is to understand that our longing for coherence is born of our truest humanity, a calling into the reality that being human and being holy are one and the same life."

Of particular joy for me were his first section essays on the difference between vocation and occupation and on loving the land, a characteristic I saw in my own father though his vocation called him from the farm to the big city.

The essay that opens the second section, "A Disposition to Dualism," is a challenge to any honest reader. We are all disposed to live our life incoherently--out of tune--with what we believe. Likewise, in a beautiful essay about the Sangre De Christo Mountains, Garber explores how the atonement--the blood of Christ--holds promise for the seamless world that is our deepest longing.

Now that I have heard of Mr. Garber, I'll need to read more. This was a great place to start.
Profile Image for Panda Incognito.
4,711 reviews96 followers
June 11, 2020
This book is an attractively designed collection of short, photo-illustrated essays. The author, Steven Garber, shares personal anecdotes related to his upbringing, other experiences, and recent work consulting with businesses and organizations. Some of the essays are insightful, but others seemed bland to me, and many of them are so brief that I reached the end without fully understanding his message. For example, in the essays about his work with other people and organizations, he shares general reflections about business ethics and doing good, but he never explains what the organization’s mission is, or what the meeting accomplished. Without any further development, the opening hook becomes a waste of space.

Some of the essays are more detailed and concrete, but they are all too short for him to fully engage with a chosen topic or the big ideas packaged within it. The premise of this book resonates with me, because everyone wants to feel a sense of purpose in their everyday routines, and Christians want to see glory and meaning in the everyday service that they direct towards God and others. Still, because each of these essays only lasts a few pages, the book can never fully flesh out its big ideas.

If I were familiar with Garber’s academic work, I probably would have enjoyed this more, but I wasn’t able to read these short reflections through the larger lens of his thesis-focused works. Instead, this book just seemed surface-level to me. Even though Garber shares some very insightful reflections about “the seamless life,” this essay collection jumps around to different facets of related topics without slowing down to fully engage any of it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
20 reviews
March 2, 2025

Dr. Steven Garber’s "The Seamless Life" is a transformative read that deserves every one of its five stars. This book beautifully intertwines the threads of faith, work, and personal fulfillment, guiding readers towards a more integrated and meaningful existence.

From the moment I began reading, I was struck by Garber's ability to articulate profound truths with clarity and grace. His insights on how to navigate the complexities of modern life resonate deeply, encouraging us to view our daily activities not as separate tasks, but as essential components of a cohesive life. The concept of living seamlessly, where our beliefs and actions align, has profoundly impacted my perspective.

What I particularly loved about this book is Garber's relatable storytelling and thought-provoking questions that inspire self-reflection. He encourages readers to consider their own values and how to embody them in every aspect of life, making the journey not only enlightening but also deeply personal.

"The Seamless Life" is not just a book; it is an invitation to embrace a holistic approach to living. It challenges us to connect the dots between our spiritual lives, our work, and our personal relationships, ultimately leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of what it means to live seamlessly. Dr. Garber has crafted a timeless guide that will inspire readers long after they turn the last page
Profile Image for Jonas Nyander.
33 reviews
March 4, 2020
Short chapters dealing with different thoughts about life. An uneven book with some good parts mixed in with some fairly average. The book itself is beautifully put together, but again the pictures are a mix of good and average.
There was nothing in the book that really stood out for me and having finished it I am not sure exactly what I have learned or think differently. The one thing I do remember is the name dropping which almost stopped me reading the book. A high proportion of the chapters either deal with rich/famous people or well known companies that the author was speaking to or was helping. Knowing that he had did not inhance the chapter, in fact he could have said what he was trying to say without reference to their names. In the end it was just irritating and spoiled the book for me.
I had hoped for a book in the same line as his predecessor at Regent College, Paul Stevens, but sadly this was not to be. Instead I read a coffee table book which was mostly unmemorable by an author I doubt I'll read again.
63 reviews6 followers
May 5, 2020
I love the thesis of this book. I, too, long for a seamless life—my behavior a mirror of my beliefs, my work a part of my worship. I, too, am distressed by the proximate, the inability to achieve the wholeness I long for. The essays were thoughtful and meaningful, and often challenged my heart. The pictures enhanced his message. However, Garber’s prose was occasionally distracting and confusing. He seemed to be trying too hard to sound deep and impressive with his unusual (sometimes garbled) syntax, long sentence fragments, and participial phrases and pronouns without recognizable referents. Maybe I’ve been grading too many student papers recently.
252 reviews
March 13, 2020
This is meaningful and beautifully written collection of essays. I did not want this book to end as I savored each story and read them slowly. The words and photo at the beginning of each essay pulled me in to reflect on the meaning and purpose of God’s work in my life and the world. Although not written for Lent he makes several references to it and I found that it was a great book to read during Lent. It is a one that I will return to again.
Profile Image for Taylor Flowe.
87 reviews14 followers
August 26, 2020
A really beautiful analysis of life & vocation in our fallen world. Garber brings many beloved musician, author, screenwriter, philosophical, and theological voices into the conversation. He argues for the idea of underlying coherence in the world, as opposed to dualism. His writing reflects the beauty and the brokenness of the world in a way that makes you love it all the more & long for its redemption.
Profile Image for Dave Walker.
Author 2 books13 followers
May 20, 2020
These short essays are a wonderful reminder of the important and often overlooked truth that our work is a critical of our lives, intimately connected with what we believe and integral to a satisfied and meaningful life in a world that is not the way we want it to be. I'd recommend reading his other works to get the most out of this one, but they stand on their own as well.
13 reviews
May 28, 2020
I’d never heard of Stephen Garber until his book was mentioned in a weekly newsletter to which I subscribe. I found this book, though short, to be weighty, thought-provoking, and timely. I plan to purchase his other books. His argument for a seamless life is rooted in Scripture’s vision to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one’s neighbor as one’s self.
Profile Image for Samuel Kassing.
547 reviews13 followers
April 5, 2021
A collection of essays from a life of learning and meditating on vocation. These essays were engaging and provocative. They made me reflect on how I've viewed the word and how I could view the world differently.

I think the difference between occupation and vocation might be the most significant takeaway that I will be passing on to others.
13 reviews
April 28, 2021
Nutritious reading

Garber's works always feed my soul in ways no other author can. As someone deeply engaged in a community where what is and what could be are decades apart, Garber's thoughtful insights remind me that "something is something." Some days that's all I need to remember.
Profile Image for Rod Reed.
93 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2022
Garber, the man and the author, presents us with almost infinite questions and thoughts to ponder. As with any collection of essays, this one has many great gems and a few page-fillers. If you want to reflect on some of the most important ideas and commitments that shape our lives, this book can help you do that.
51 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2024
Fantastic expositions and analyses of the disconnect I constantly feel between my work and my vocation. Garber beautifully articulates a vision of unity, and gives voice to my own angst about vocation. However, I didn’t feel like Garber said anything about what I could DO to resolve these tensions.
Profile Image for April Yamasaki.
Author 16 books48 followers
March 24, 2020
An engaging collection of short, illustrated essays on work, vocation, and the meaning of life, reviewed for MEDA's Marketplace magazine
Profile Image for Andrew Johnson.
67 reviews
April 9, 2020
This was just the book I needed at this time, evidenced by the fact I read it in 24 hours. It is a book of essays on various topics which was perfect for my scattered brain.
Profile Image for Derrick Jeter.
Author 5 books10 followers
May 16, 2020
An easy read with some thought provoking ideas, but a little to esoteric for my taste.
Profile Image for Pamela.
849 reviews10 followers
July 1, 2020
This little book is made up of individual essays, with each essay having a photo. I found it very interesting.
Profile Image for Liz.
90 reviews
July 6, 2020
I would have given five stars if it were longer 😊
Profile Image for Kim Koi.
57 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2022
Much of this book, I didn’t particularly connect with. But, there were at least 3 essays that made the read entirely worth it.
Profile Image for Joseph McBee.
123 reviews
June 30, 2024
I found this book rich and beautiful. Steven Garber writes from a heart of love and with a depth, that even in this small book, makes you feel like you are enjoying an incredible meal at an amazing restaurant. There were many takeaways for me in this book and as a fellow follower of Jesus, the author speaks to my soul.
Profile Image for JimtheDean.
173 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2025
Magnificent. Read the book as a daily reflection point. Inspiring. Uplifting. Thought provoking. Wonderful.

Update in 2025: Read the book again this year. A short one and read it over a period of time. You can’t simply “read” this book. You must ruminate — reflect on it — chapter by chapter. The “way” it is written stirs my soul. I can’t read without reflecting…and the reflection brings freshness to my spirit. I love Garber’s writing and I love this book.
88 reviews
September 9, 2023
I wanted to like this more.. it was too ethereal for my taste. Some of the essays were great and helped me think more deeply but others missed the mark for me.
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