Just Desserts

When I am in the process of creating characters, I often contemplate whether or not they should receive their “just desserts” from time to time.

Ultimately, I do decide to allow the reader to see that poor choices can often lead to bad outcomes.  I also try to reflect the fact that, just as God gives His children “free will”, we must also reap the consequences that are attached to our impulsive actions.  Our Heavenly Father loves us enough to allow us to learn from our decisions–good or bad.

Since I want to keep my characters authentic, I often use situations that we can relate to: 

“The dog ate my homework.”  

“I didn’t realize that I was speeding, officer.”

“…But I didn’t mean to forget to take out the trash, honey.”

These are seemingly minor infractions, and usually, my characters’ foibles are much more involved, but you get the general drift.  And the Bible tells us when we consciously know and do sin anyway, the penalties are often more severe.  As Christians we are held to a higher standard.

I don’t write about perfect people.  That would be dreadfully boring.  Instead, I flesh out characters with some great character traits, but realistic personal flaws.  They may struggle with jealousy, boastfulness, or unresolved anger.  And of course they battle outer conflict, as well.  Things like:  illness or death of a loved one, career decisions, dating issues, and moral dilemmas.  (Generally, I prefer to weave humor into my stories along the drama, while keeping things “real.”)

In my first novel, we see the main characters grow and develop through good times and bad.  I allow them to taste the sweet along with the sour, as God sometimes does while doling out our “just desserts.”  When we’re savoring that second helping of apple pie, we don’t always think about the indigestion that may follow shortly afterward.  The after-effects of sin are the same.  Sometimes, justice is swift and stinging, while at other times, our comeuppance might linger a little longer and be more far-reaching.

In the series I’m creating, we will see various characters struggling with their own “just desserts.”  We’ll see larger-than-life folks humbled in even bigger ways.  And in the small, fictional town where the characters reside, there will be more than enough pie to go around.  And plenty of crow to eat besides.

A question for you to ponder…What are your thoughts on “just desserts?”