So... how do I use this inspiration while writing my card?
Good question, friend.
Our Flyways Method & Planner is designed for exactly this situation. You can do it on any odd piece of paper you have lying around (although you may have received a Planner with your purchase). The Flyways Method is based on three steps:
- A reflection on the person you're writing to
- A heart-check, regarding one's true feelings and observations
- A question: Will this serve them and is the time right?
Let me demonstrate...
Let's say my neighbor Elena stepped in to care for my garden and home during an unexpected two-week hospital stay after an accident. She watered plants, brought in mail, fed my cat, and even stocked my fridge with homemade meals for my return home—all while managing her own busy schedule as a single mom.
Using the Flyways Method and thinking about the card themes of growth and faithfulness, I could jot down the following notes:
Step 1: See the Person
Who is Elena in this season of life?
- A naturally giving person who never seeks recognition for her kindness
- Currently juggling multiple responsibilities (parenting, work, community commitments)
- Values practical help over verbal appreciation
- Someone who finds joy in small, everyday moments despite life's challenges
- Has mentioned feeling "invisible" in her various roles lately
Step 2: Check My Heart
What's genuinely true for me about Elena?
- I'm deeply moved by how she showed up for me without hesitation
- I recognize the significant effort her help required given her already full plate
- I admire her ability to find joy and give generously even during stressful times
- I feel a new sense of community knowing she's just next door
- I want to acknowledge not just what she did, but who she is
Step 3: Truthful & Timely
What would serve Elena right now?
- Specific acknowledgment of her actions would validate her efforts
- Recognition of the sacrifice her help required would honor her choice
- Avoiding overly flowery language would match her practical nature
- Genuine warmth rather than extravagant praise would resonate with her
- A touch of lightness would connect with her joy-finding nature
Final Message
So, taking the above into account and with a couple of attempts, I might end up with a card which reads something like this:
Elena,
This card made me think of you immediately—embracing the rain, arms wide open to whatever comes. When I was in the hospital, you stepped in without hesitation.
The care you showed—from keeping Mr. Whiskers fed to those containers of soup in my fridge—wasn't just about the tasks themselves. It was so reassuring for me to know these things were taken care of when I was dealing with a lot. I know what it takes to add one more thing to an already full plate, especially with Sam's extra-curricular sports schedule!
Anyway, you've reminded me that community isn't just about living near each other—it's about splashing through the hard stuff together.
With grateful affection,
Cass
How I used the Flyways Method
In crafting this message, I deliberately worked through each layer of the planning method to create something authentic and meaningful:
I started by really considering who Elena is right now—not just as a helpful neighbor, but as someone juggling multiple roles who rarely gets recognized. I noted her practical nature in particular, and how she will always go the extra mile. This helped me avoid writing a generic thank-you that could be for anyone.
Rather than jumping straight to "thank you for X," I paused to identify what genuinely moved me about Elena's actions. This revealed deeper truths—like my admiration for her ability to give generously despite her full plate and the sense of community her actions created. These insights gave the message substance beyond mere gratitude.
Looking at what would actually serve Elena, I made several deliberate choices:
- Used specific examples (Mr. Whiskers, soup containers) rather than vague appreciation
- Acknowledged the effort required given her specific circumstances (single parenting)
- Kept language direct and warm rather than flowery, matching her practical nature
- Connected her actions to a larger truth about community that affirms her value
Finally, I intentionally wove elements from the Rainbow Hope Card throughout—the reference to "rainbows" and "splashing through hard stuff together" directly connect to the image. And while they sound a little bit silly, it keeps the message light-hearted without detracting the message's authenticity.
This process transformed what could have been a standard "thanks for your help" message into something that genuinely sees Elena, speaks truth, and serves her where she is right now.
