Thursday 28th November 2024 - Finding Joy in Small Moments

 Hello all,

Today was a mix of challenges, teamwork, and festive spirit, and despite the ups and downs, I’m ending it feeling grateful.

The morning began with a tech challenge. A colleague had asked me to fix a gaming PC intended as a Christmas gift for their son. Sadly, the computer had suffered significant damage—traces of a spilled liquid (possibly yogurt or milk) had wreaked havoc on its components. They’d provided a replacement motherboard, so I dismantled the old parts, installed the new one, and reassembled the PC. Unfortunately, it still wouldn’t work. After evaluating the cost of repairing the remaining damage, it became clear it would be more economical to purchase a new PC altogether. While it was disappointing not to revive the computer, I’m glad we tried every possible solution. I packaged the new motherboard so they could return it and get their money back, knowing we had done our best.

The highlight of the day was the arrival of the school’s Christmas tree. It’s always a special moment when the tree arrives, and this year was no exception. I helped set it up, retrieving the heavy tree stand from storage and ensuring the tree was securely positioned. For once, the tree was the perfect height—no trimming required!

The Headteacher decided we’d decorate the tree with all the children that afternoon, marking the start of the Catholic Church's Advent season. It was a joy to see the whole school come together for this tradition. Lunch was a whirlwind—feeding all the children within 20 minutes so we could clear the hall for tree decorating. The flurry of activity was well worth it. Seeing the children hang decorations, sing carols, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere brought a smile to my face. When it was my turn to hang my decoration, I quietly prayed for happiness in my own home—a moment of reflection amidst the joyful chaos.

After the school day ended, I stayed late to give the gaming PC one last try. While I couldn’t repair it, I took comfort in knowing I had done everything I could. I also packaged an item I’d sold through eBay Boosters and took some time to catch up on my online referee courses before heading home.

The evening was a calm and lovely one, spent with family and catching up on my blog. As I reflect on the day, I’m grateful for the moments of togetherness and the joy of helping others, even when things didn’t go as planned. Christmas is about more than decorations and gifts—it’s about community, kindness, and sharing joy.