In a dream, I saw myself as a young boy, playing with a tiny snake. But before very long, I became interested in other things. I didn't want to let go of the tiny snake, since I liked it and wanted to play with it later, so I continued to hold on with one hand and use my free hand to play with other fun things.

In a short time, I realized that the tiny snake was growing. . . growing rapidly. But I was too interested with other things to pay much attention to the snake. "I'll get back to it later," I told myself. The snake continued to grow and was becoming difficult to control. Soon both my hands were required to control the little snake. Although irritated, I thought to myself, "I'll get to it in a minute."

Soon, the snake's wiggling required all my strength to keep from losing control. So reluctantly, I turned to see my snake. In total shock, I was not faced with a friendly little snake but a full grown and dangerous cobra! Desperately I held on. I wanted to let go, to run, but didn't dare loosen my grip in fear that the Cobra would bite me. I then realized that I too had grown, and now as an adult, was struggling with a powerful enemy. My playful little snake, at one time so easily controlled, was now deadly serious in its attempt to take my life.

Just then, I suddenly awoke, sat up in bed, and looked quickly around my room to make sure I was safe. While still breathing rapidly, I thanked my Heavenly Father that the Cobra was only a dream.

Harry's father looked up from his journal and said: I have always believed this dream was a lesson for me. The lesson for me was to learn that habits acquired while you are young should always be good ones, because, after you grow up bad habits can be terrible to get rid of.

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You Can't Pet a Rattlesnake

by David E. Sorensen

Resources

Idea List: Breaking Bad Habits

Good Habits Develop Good Character

by Elder Delbert L. Stapley
Of the Council of the Twelve