Mountain Men

The colours in this card are some of my favourites. I love the deep greys against the pallor of the sky and the rich yellow. You can almost taste how thin the air is and how exhilarated the lungs.

I personally use this card for nearly everything - celebrations, achievements, birthdays, encouragement, to show support, men, women, young, old... I suspect you will probably use it liberally too.

But just quickly...

On this page

  • Quotes to inspire your reflections.
  • A step-by-step example of how one can draft a message for this card using the Flyways Method & Planner (scroll right to the end!)
  • A comment section for you to leave your thoughts and see those of others.

And more!

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

So... why is this card part of the Kindred Collection?

There is a certain camaraderie in taking on a challenge together - whether that is a physical, spiritual or practical challenge. At risk of waxing too poetic, it knits souls together and forms stronger relationships than we might otherwise enjoy. And often we might find we become in some way, 'kindred spirits'.

Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each other to persevere in the road to a happier life.

Pythagoras

But HOW do I fill this card? 

Our Flyways Method (and the planning sheet - download it for free!) are designed to help guide you through putting a message together from the heart. 

The Flyways Method is based on three steps: 

  1. A reflection on the person you're writing to 
  2. A heart-check, regarding one's true feelings and observations 
  3. A question: Will this serve them and is the time right? 

If I were to use this card for one of the men in my life (perhaps as a thank you to a church leader) I could use the Flyways Method to jot down the following notes: 

Step 1: Who is this person in this moment? 

  • Someone who prepares a lot, on a weekly basis, to serve this ministry. 
  • Someone who has handled some challenging dynamics this heart with honesty and courage and sensitivity. 
  • Someone I have learnt a lot from (character and in listening to them teach). 

Step 2: What's in my heart for them? 

  • I hope they know that their work is noticed (by those around them and God) 
  • I wonder if they need any personal help as a family - they've got a new baby this year. 
  • I'm looking forward to being part of this group next year. Will they be serving in this ministry next year? Maybe I can be helpful.

Step 3: Will saying this serve them?

  • Helpful? Yes - always helpful to be seen. 
  • Uplifting? Yes, aimed at encouraging them that their work is valuable. 
  • Timely? Any time for this message is a good time... 

Final Message

The above reflections could result in a message like this: 

Hi Darren  

Just wanted to say a quick thank you for everything you've done to serve this ministry this year. There were some tricky interpersonal moments, but nothing was swept under the rug in an unhelpful way but genuinely resolved, and I'm sure that's down to the work of the Lord in you. Thanks for being proactive, prayerful, and building up this little community. 

I'm looking forward to being part of this group next year... I know running these things means a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Can I be helpful in any way? Even doing things like coordinating print outs and organising rosters. Keen to know! 

Thanks, Darren.

God bless, 

Anthony

Your thoughts 

Both me and Emma Davis (the illustrator of this card) would love to know how you used it and what you thought. Please let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have. 

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