According to an old Indian legend, one day a big fire broke out in the forest. All the animals fled in fear on all sides, because the fire was very violent. Suddenly, a jaguar saw a hummingbird pass over his head, but in the opposite direction. The hummingbird flew towards the fire!

Whatever was going on, he didn’t want to stop. Moments later, the jaguar saw him pass again, this time in the same direction the jaguar was walking. He could watch it come and go, until he decided to ask the bird about it, because it seemed very bizarre behavior.

“What are you doing, hummingbird?” He asked.

“I’m going to the lake,” he replied, “I’m drinking water with my beak and throwing it on the fire to put it out.” Jaguar laughed. “Are you crazy? Do you really think you can put out that big fire on your own with your little beak?”

“No,” said the hummingbird, “I know I can’t.” But the forest is my home. It feeds me, protects me and my family. I am very grateful for that. And I help the forest grow by pollinating its flowers. I am a part of it and the forest is a part of me. I know I can’t put out the fire, but I have to do my part.”

At that moment, the forest spirits, listening to the hummingbird, were touched by the bird and its attachment to the forest. And by some miracle they sent a torrential downpour, which stopped the great fire.

Indian grandmothers would occasionally tell this story to their grandchildren, and then conclude, “Do you want to bring miracles into your life? Do your part.”