By the time you read this I will be on a plane, headed to a destination new but familiar.
For 15 months I have pondered the statement on the Belfast City Seal and many, many times I have thought of how appropriate it seems to my very fortunate circumstance.
When my departure was first announced, a friend asked me, "What have you learned here?" I turned that around in my mind for weeks and at last I think I know.
I hope I have learned ways I can give back -- or pass on, in even a small proportion -- the wonders I have experienced here.
What shall we give in return for so much?
We shall give people the opportunity to join our circle of friends.
We shall invite strangers to no longer be strangers.
We shall take Sundays off.
We shall listen to others and laugh at ourselves.
We shall enjoy the sun whenever it appears!
We shall be patient with newcomers.
We shall not pass up simple but meaningful gestures.
We shall embrace the family.
We shall adapt to change.
We shall not be embittered by the past and shall refuse to be dragged back into it.
We shall give thanks, deep and meaningful and humble thanks, for the goodness of God, and for all the gifts which we do not deserve.
We shall come back to the old sod, soonest.
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