Someone said we cannot see the “forest for the trees.”

But in this case it is the forest that is getting in the way and we can’t see the trees. We spend so much time complaining about the things we don’t have that we overlook those things that we do have. Every once in a while we need a reminder. So no negativism today, only a positive look around us. Where are the trees?

Edwardsburg is full of “trees.” What are they? Here are a few examples. There are nine churches with most denominations represented here. If those are not to your liking there are three or four more on the edge of Edwardsburg. The schools are the best in the area. But what else is there to brag about?

You may think that retail commercial businesses are scarce, but there is a general merchandise store, a gift shop, four or more beauty shops, a drug store, a dress shop, a coin operated laundry, three fast food restaurants, seven sit-down restaurants, four realtors, a photographer, two banks and one credit union, a fitness center, a health food store, two veterans organizations, a Masonic lodge, five auto repairs businesses, two tax preparers and one adult care center.

There are also three heating, air conditioner and plumbing services, an appliance store, two antique shops, a dry wall store, an architect, two lawyers, one auction house and one on-line auction business, one used-auto dealer, one bakery factory, one barber shop, one marina and two outdoor sports shop, one cabinet maker, numerous carpenters and builders, three fishing and tackle stores,  a store to help you grow things, one gasoline station, two chiropractors, two child care centers,  four private clubs,  one coffee house, one doctor, two pizza parlors, one funeral home, two golf courses, four insurance agencies, two investment agencies, two party and liquor stores, three veterinary pet care businesses, one quilt shop, two septic tank services, a sharpening service, four storage units, a sign maker and one taxidermist.

Most of these establishments are within a few miles of our front doors and all considered Edwardsburg businesses.

In addition to these retail establishments there are seven public, governmental and private offices. Also there is an industrial park with small factories that ship goods all over the world and employ a large number of people.

We drive past these businesses and don’t even see them. These trees make up a beautiful forest that is a great place to live or we wouldn’t all be here. So look through this forest and see the trees.

Now stop your complaining and think how lucky you are to have all of these services so close.

 

Jo-Ann Boepple works at the Edwardsburg Area History Museum