Siddhidatri and the Gift Giver

On a big pink lotus, on a calm and shining lake, sat the goddess Siddhidatri. Her name means the one who gives gifts. Her golden lion rested on the shore, and her smile was as warm as the sun.

One morning, everyone came to see her. A little bird hopped up. A turtle crawled slowly. A rabbit bounced. A fish jumped out of the water, and a bee buzzed along. At the very end of the line was a small, shy child.

Siddhidatri opened her hands, and golden sparkles floated out. To the bird she gave a song, and it sang. To the fish she gave swimming, and it swam. To the bee she gave the sweet smell of flowers. Each one went away happy.

Then only the child was left. "I'm not very fast," said the child quietly. "I can't sing like the bird. I can't swim like the fish. Is there a gift left for me?"

Siddhidatri leaned down and gently touched the child's forehead. "Your gift is already inside you," she said. "A heart that can learn anything, and hands that can help. Keep learning, and share what you know."

The child ran home smiling, and helped a friend that very day. On the ninth day of Navaratri, Maha Navami, we thank Siddhidatri for all our gifts. Tomorrow comes Vijaya Dashami, and blessings from our elders. What is your special gift?