Luna was a little lamb with wool as white as snow. She lived on a rolling green hill with her mama, papa, and a whole flock of fluffy friends. But Luna wasn’t like the other lambs. While they loved to leap and play, Luna preferred to hide behind her mama, feeling shy and small. She worried she wasn’t good at anything.
Every evening, Old Man Tiber, the wise sheepdog, would gather the flock to tell stories. He’d talk about brave sheep who found lost paths, and clever sheep who helped others. Luna loved listening, but she never felt brave or clever enough to contribute. She wished she had a special talent, something to make her shine.
One day, Old Man Tiber announced a talent show! All the lambs were excited. Barnaby practiced his loudest baa, Penelope perfected her fastest run, and Cecil learned to balance a flower on his nose. Luna felt her tummy twist with worry. What could *she* possibly do?
She confided in her best friend, Beatrice, a kind lamb with a bright pink bow. “I don’t have a talent, Beatrice,” Luna whispered, her voice barely audible. “Everyone else is so good at things.” Beatrice nudged Luna gently. “That’s not true, Luna! You have the softest wool in the whole flock. And you always know just what to say to make me feel better when I’m sad.”
Luna blushed. She hadn’t thought of those things as talents. Beatrice continued, “Maybe your talent isn’t something you *do*, but something you *are*. Something special about *you*.”
The night of the talent show arrived. Luna hid behind her mama, watching the other lambs perform. Barnaby’s baa was indeed very loud, Penelope zoomed across the field, and Cecil’s flower wobbled but stayed put! Then, Old Man Tiber called Luna’s name. Her legs felt like jelly.
Beatrice gave Luna a reassuring nudge. Taking a deep breath, Luna stepped forward. She didn’t sing, dance, or balance anything. Instead, she simply stood there, radiating a gentle calmness. Old Man Tiber smiled. “Luna,” he said, “your talent is your kindness. You have a way of making everyone feel peaceful and safe.”
The other lambs gathered around Luna, nuzzling her soft wool. They realized Beatrice was right – Luna’s kindness *was* a special talent. It wasn’t flashy, but it was important. Luna felt a warmth spread through her chest. She wasn’t shy anymore, not really. She was Luna, the kindest lamb on the hill, and that was enough.
From that day on, Luna continued to share her kindness with everyone she met. She learned that everyone has a special talent, even if it’s not what they expect. And as she drifted off to sleep each night, nestled close to her mama, she knew that being herself was the most wonderful talent of all. Remember, little one, you have a special talent too. Close your eyes, and dream of all the wonderful things you can do.