Carbon Copy
Young people probably have no experience making a carbon copy. During typewriter days, we placed carbon paper between two blank sheets of paper. We then rolled all three into the typewriter. What we typed on the top sheet copied to the bottom.
Carbon paper made great copies. However, it could also make great messes. If we were not careful, we would:
- Get ink on us and anything else it touched
- Smear our copies, which made them hard to read
A carbon copy is an exact duplicate.
Its details are precise. It:
- Looks the same
- Matches perfectly
- Reflects every feature
Like the bridge behind the tangled trees above, it is a spitting image. It remains faithful to the original in every way. If we see the copy, we understand the original.
We decide what we reflect.
Who or what influences us? Who or what do we influence? As with most of life, we choose. We then face the music – we live with the consequences of our choices.
We don’t always reflect perfectly.
Carbon paper smears. Water moves. When that happens, reflections wave. Images change.
Life gets messy. Like tangled trees, things get in our way. Yet, we keep trying. We keep working to reflect the best. In so doing, we improve.
“We can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18 TLB).
Thanks to Laurel Blevins and Karen Hart for the suggestion.
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4 thoughts on “Carbon Copy”
Wow! Great question. Who do people see when they look at me? Who has imprinted my life the most. Not sure that I always like the answer to those questions my friend. So enjoyed. Learned some things about carbon paper I didn’t know, and I used to be the “Carbon Paper King” LOL
Thank you, J. D. I don’t always like the answers to those questions either. However, I believe I need to reflect on my reflections more often. Blessings, my “Carbon Paper King” friend.
As Christians, we strive to reflect the Light of Jesus. We want others to see Jesus in us. Although we can never be a “carbon copy” of Him because He is a One and Only, as His followers, we try to live a life as close to Him as possible, abiding by His teachings. Thank you for this interesting and encouraging post to remind us to be like Jesus, as much as we can.
Well said, Katherine. Thank you for the powerful comment. Blessings