You Can't Control the Storm, But You Can Build an Ark

A lesson in personal growth from Parshas Noach

Life has a way of presenting us with challenges we never anticipated. Economic uncertainty, relationship difficulties, health concerns or unexpected setbacks can suddenly disrupt the plans we have carefully made. We often respond by becoming frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed, particularly when the circumstances seem completely beyond our control. But perhaps one of the most important lessons we can learn is to distinguish between what happens around us and what we can actually do about it.

In this week's Parsha, Noach is warned that a devastating Flood is coming, one that will destroy the world as he knows it. Yet G-d doesn't instruct him to stop the rain or prevent the Flood. Instead, He tells him to build an ark. Noach cannot control the approaching storm, but he can prepare for it. He can follow the instructions he has been given, build a vessel capable of protecting his family and the animals entrusted to him, and take responsibility for what lies within his ability to accomplish.

Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, describes a similar principle through his concepts of the Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence. Our Circle of Concern includes all the things that affect or worry us, from world events and economic conditions to other people's decisions and behaviour. But within that larger circle is a smaller Circle of Influence, representing the things we can actually do something about. Covey suggests that effective people focus their energy on expanding their influence rather than becoming consumed by circumstances they cannot control.

This distinction is particularly important because it works in both directions. On the one hand, we need to accept that there are things beyond our control. Worrying endlessly about them, becoming angry or blaming others will not necessarily change the situation. On the other hand, we must recognise that where we do have the ability to act, we also have a responsibility to do so. We cannot simply sit back and hope that problems will resolve themselves when there are practical steps available to us.

So what does it mean to build an ark in our own lives? The answer will be different for each of us. For someone concerned about financial uncertainty, it might mean living within their means, reducing unnecessary debt or building savings. For a parent, it could mean investing time in developing a strong relationship with their children before difficulties arise. For someone concerned about their health, it may mean establishing better habits around exercise, nutrition and sleep. And for a person facing emotional or personal challenges, building an ark might mean developing resilience, strengthening relationships or seeking appropriate guidance and support.

The common thread is preparation. We cannot anticipate every challenge life will bring, nor can we guarantee that our preparations will protect us from every difficulty. But we can make ourselves better equipped to respond when challenges arise. Too often, we wait until a problem becomes urgent before taking action, even when we know that small steps taken earlier could make a significant difference.

There is another important dimension to this lesson. Building an ark requires us to think beyond ourselves. Noach was not instructed to build a small shelter for his own protection. He was given responsibility for his family and for preserving the animals that would repopulate the world. Similarly, our responsibilities extend to the people who depend on us. As parents, spouses, leaders, employers or members of a community, we may not be able to solve every problem, but we should recognise the difference our actions can make in the lives of others.

Perhaps the greatest challenge is knowing when to accept circumstances and when to take action. We sometimes exhaust ourselves worrying about matters beyond our influence while neglecting the very things we could be doing to improve our situation. The lesson of Noach reminds us to redirect our attention from the approaching storm to the ark we have the ability to build.

This week, consider the challenges or uncertainties that concern you most. Ask yourself which aspects are genuinely beyond your control and which are within your ability to influence. Then identify one practical step you can take to prepare, protect or improve your circumstances.

You may not be able to control the storms that come into your life, but you can take responsibility for the ark you build to face them.

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About the author: Elimelech Levy is a Rabbi, educator, and coach based in Sydney, Australia. He is the director of Chabad Youth NSW, where he develops programs that support Jewish identity, confidence, and community connection for young people and families.

Alongside his communal work, Elimelech holds an MBA from Macquarie University and is a member of the International Coaching Federation. His coaching focuses on helping individuals gain clarity, set meaningful goals, and take consistent action.

He is also the founder of the Knei Lecha Chover initiative, a global peer coaching network for rabbis, and is involved in property development projects that reflect his broader interest in building sustainable communities.

More at elilevy.com.au