In our efforts to improve the world, or even just improve ourselves, sometimes we need a catalyst.
What is a catalyst? A scientist would tell you it is a substance that starts or hastens a chemical reaction. But the word also has meaning outside the world of chemistry: a catalyst can be an event—or, just as often, a person—that causes change or action, that makes things happen.
If we think about it, we can all identify experiences that altered our lives—sometimes for the better, sometimes not. What have been the catalysts in your life? Maybe it was a diagnosis, a move, or a promotion. Perhaps it was something more subtle, like a chance meeting with an old friend, a phone call from a family member, or an encouraging word from a stranger. Frequently, the force behind life’s most meaningful catalysts is a person.
Some people just seem to have a way of changing the status quo. They walk into a room and make everyone around them feel and act better. They bring light and love, goodness and wisdom, patience and perspective. Of course, the opposite is also true. There are others who prevent good things from happening. Either by their attitudes or their actions, they seem to hinder growth and cooperation, friendship and understanding.
Whether we realize it or not, each of us has the power to be a catalyst in someone’s life, including our own. If we choose to, we can all inspire growth and happiness in ourselves and others.
A positive catalyst doesn’t have to be charismatic or commanding. Often the most effective catalysts are quiet, steady, and observant—always ready to help. They try their best to leave each person and each place better than they found it. Of course, they aren’t always happy, and they certainly aren’t perfect, but they try to be a catalyst for positive change.
Good things don’t just happen. They’re usually sparked by someone who makes good things happen. That’s what the world needs more than ever: people who do their part to create positive change.
-Lloyd D. Newell
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April 29, 2018
Broadcast Number 4,624
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Orchestra at Temple Square
Conductor
Mack Wilberg
Organist
Andrew Unsworth
Host
Lloyd Newell
Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise
German hymn tune; arr. Mack Wilberg
I Will Follow God’s Plan
Vanja Y. Watkins; arr. Nathan L. Hofheins
Prelude on an English Folk Song
Andrew Unsworth
Gloria, from Mass in D, op. 86
Antonin Dvořák
Love One Another
Luacine Clark Fox; arr. Mack Wilberg
When the Saints Go Marching In
Spiritual; arr. John Rutter
Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah
John Hughes