Something struck me immediately as I read this Parshah: Man, that is one huge ark! 300 x 50 x 30 cubits where at “fifteen cubits above did the water prevail … the mountains were covered up” (Genesis 7:20).
How did Noah accomplish this gargantuan task? He had very specific instructions, which is more than most of us are provided with, but it still seems amazing that Noah accepted this task with no questions asked – “[and] Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him, so he did.” (Gen. 6:22). He had an open heart, and confidence in his heart’s — and G-d’s — words.
Do most of us set out with this determination and steadfast confidence in the tasks we undertake each day?
Shouldn’t we?
Do we even always fully understand the implications of our actions, or stop to contemplate if we’re on the right path?
I recently saw a documentary on a marching band at a public high school in southeast DC, the place where tourists never go and few young professional yuppies rarely travel either, the place where children attempt to overcome overwhelming odds to succeed. The documentary followed the story of how the marching band was such a positive force in students’ lives and how so much of the love, safety, and achievement were the outcome of the band director’s hard work. What struck me most about the documentary was how obvious it was that leading the band was his path in life and he was living out his unique destiny. He listened to and trusted his heart and followed it to a life of personal fulfillment. He also created a space for others to feel safe enough to listen to their own hearts too.
At Yom Kippur services this year, one leader asked us to listen to our hearts to be able to find the path of our journey. G-d set out very specific guidelines for Noah, but the blueprints for most of our lives are slightly more elusive. Maybe G-d is trying to give us guidance, but we’ve created so many petty and materialistic distractions that we’re drowning him out. Or maybe we’re not listening hard enough.
This leads me once again to say, cherish the things in life that are really important to you. Next time you see a rainbow, remember that G-d is keeping up his end of the bargain. Call your friends and tell them you love them, smile at a stranger, make the world a better place.
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