Baby Snakes & Pigtails

It was a warm summer day. Naomi had been keeping busy by hunting for baby garter snakes. She had found one already! The little snake wiggled in Naomi’s hands. Naomi laughed. “You are so quick! AndI think you are cute too!

”Just then, Naomi heard Mommy call her. “Naomi, it is time to go to town. Please come right away!

”Naomi quickly tucked the little snake into her pant pocket and ran to her mommy.

“We need to make a quick trip to the grocery store,” Mommy said.

“Can I hunt for more baby snakes when we get home? Naomi asked.

“Is that what you have been doing? I’m glad that we do not have any poisonous snakes in thisarea,” Mommy said.

Naomi nodded her head in agreement. “I wouldn’t even try to touch a snake if I knew it might bepoisonous! That wouldn’t be good for my health!

”Mommy laughed. “You have the funniest way of putting your words together sometimes! And Ilove you for it!

”Naomi smiled at her mommy. “I love you too, Mommy! ”At the grocery store, Naomi climbed out of the car and held Mommy’s hand as they walked into the store. She reached into her pocket with her other hand and made sure her pet snake was still there. He was curled up in a little ball sound asleep. My little snake is happy to be with me, Naomi thought.

Naomi followed Mommy down the aisles. After a few minutes, Naomi felt something strange in her hair. It was something alive and moving! Naomi reached up and felt her pigtails. She knew right away what it was! Her snake friend had woken up from his nap and crawled out of her pocket and into her long, thick hair!

Naomi’s eyes widened in concern. What should she do! The little snake had weaved itself through her hair!

“Mommy!” Naomi said in a quiet, scared voice. “Mommy, something is wrong! I have a snake in my hair!

”Mommy stopped. “What did you say?

”Naomi gulped. “I have a snake in my hair! Can you get it out for me?”

“A snake in your hair!” Mommy cried. “How in the world did you get a snake in your hair?”

“I had him in my pocket. He must have crawled out and gotten into my hair! I’m sorry, Mommy. I thought he would just sleep in my pocket until we got back home!

”Mommy took one quick look and then hurried Naomi outside the store. After several minutes, Mommy was able to get the snake out of Naomi’s hair.

“Naomi, I don’t want you to bring snakes to town ever again!” Mommy said. “Promise me!”

“Yes, Mommy, I promise. But how can I take good care of my pets if I leave them at home?” Naomi asked.

“Some pets are happier if they are left at home, and snakes are one of them. Jesus wants us to take good care of our animals, and that means learning how to take care of each kind of animal. Idon’t mind you playing with the baby garter snakes at home if you let them go after you catch them, understand?”

“Yes, Mommy. I’m sorry. I’ll try to take better care of my pets from now on,” Naomi said. And that’s what Naomi did.

Children: Never pick up a snake unless your parents tell you it is safe to do so.

by: Naomi Griffin