Catalysts

The other day I was driving to Pasadena and thinking through my life and all the things that I do versus all the things I don't do. Something of the things I do are design print and web media for clients around Southern California, drive to the LA region at least twice a week and lately I have been doing worship at least once a week. And up until last week, my Thursdays were spent leading Theology On Tap at Garman's Pub. But here is a list of some of the things I don't do or wish I was doing: writing more songs; actively pursuing more of my ideas; working on my book and actually, dare I say, attempt to write a chapter; write the business plan for Jumla, the coffee/communi/tea house I want to open one day; and last, but surely not least, work on a new idea I have to get musicians putting out music in vinyl and downloadable formats with a portion of the proceeds going to non-profit organizations.

So that leads me to the question:
What made me step up to the plate and keep on designing for clients, answering phone calls and going to new meetings about new projects, but neglecting my other passions?

The answer? I had a catalyst.

Just a few minutes ago I received a call from a potential client, who saw an existing site and wants to know what it would cost for something similar. I will return the phone, give them an estimate, probably meet with them and then after the estimate is hopefully approved, I will get my first down-payment to begin their project. This will inadvertently mean my bills can be paid, I have gas and I can eat.

But I want to stress, money is not the only catalyst in this mix. It is also the simple fact that this is a business. There is a professional I must uphold and keep. In that mix, there is also having pride in the business and the experience I provide, even if that means I end up not working with the potential client. All of these things are catalysts that keep me accountable and yet, unfortunately, doing things I need to do and not doing the things I really, really want to do.
 

Creating the Catalysts

All of life is but a series of colliding catalysts. A poet lives their day experiencing life and it is these experiences that provide the words and language to convey what is in the poet's heart. Two people find themselves in a city, bumping into each other on accident while at a café and the next thing you know, they are getting dinner together and then, many months later, planning their marriage and a life full of children.

Catalysts are all around us. But there is an unfortunate reality: many of us need catalysts that don't exist yet. That is why I want to encourage you like I've encouraged myself this past week. Make daily and monthly to-do lists. Set deadlines. Arrange times of intentional collaboration with friends and like-minded people.

Imagine what would happen if we were all pursuing the ideas we've tucked away for so long in our hearts. What if they weren't tucked away anymore? What would the world look like if a group of committed friends stood by one another in accountability and friendship to go for the things they only hope to do? 

May we be those kinds of friends and family members. May we be the catalyst in our world, creating more catalysts for opportunity, creativity and dream making. The world is waiting on us!