Instant Karma

No one likes to be publicly embarrassed. Will God call us out if we’re caught napping?

In Alexander McCall Smith’s book, Sunshine on Scotland Street (of the 44 Scotland Street series), he records an interesting conversation between Bertie, a precocious 7-year-old, and Olive, a sassy, impertinent 10-year-old girl who is evidently betrothed to the younger Bertie. Olive has just explained that she has booked the Gritti Palace in Italy for the post-wedding honeymoon — an event that will take place in the far distant future.

“But I never said I wanted to marry you Olive …”

“Oh yes you did, Bertie. And I’ve got it in writing, remember? I’ve got a piece of paper that has your signature on it. It says that you agree to marry me — those are the exact words, Bertie, and you can’t deny them.”

“But …”

“No buts, Bertie. If you don’t keep your promise then you’ll get into serious trouble. Big time. You could go to prison, and then what? And there’s God, too. God watches...