Last week, I had the opportunity to travel around Minden with what I call the “eyes of a visitor.” It’s a perspective that allowed me to see our community in a completely new light. What I saw was not just the daily routine but a thriving, welcoming town full of Christmas spirit and growth.
As I drove around, I couldn’t help but notice the festive decorations adorning businesses and storefronts. The holiday cheer is evident, with twinkling lights, wreaths, and red ribbons that immediately evoke a sense of joy and warmth. There’s a tangible feeling of community as Minden embraces the season. The “Christmas cards to the community” displayed under Minden’s iconic water tower are a beautiful touch, creating a picture-perfect setting that highlights the heart and spirit of this town.
But it wasn’t just the holiday decorations that caught my eye. It was the visible growth and activity happening across the city. Construction crews are hard at work building a new strip center on Homer Road, signaling the continued growth of our local economy. Downtown Minden is bustling with energy, and you can feel the vibrancy of our community from every corner. From small businesses to new developments, it’s clear that Minden is on the rise.
It made me think: How often do we get so caught up in our day-to-day lives that we forget to truly appreciate what’s around us? When you see something every day, it’s easy to overlook the beauty, progress, and opportunities that surround us. Sometimes, we need to step back, put on the “eyes of a visitor,” and take in everything with a fresh perspective.
I encourage you, this holiday season, to take a moment to appreciate the town we call home. We are fortunate to live in a place where businesses thrive, the community comes together, and there’s a palpable sense of progress. Minden is not just a town—it’s a place full of potential, energy, and heart.
As we celebrate the holidays, let’s remember to appreciate what we have and recognize the hard work that has gone into building our community. There’s so much to be proud of, and sometimes all it takes is a shift in perspective to see it.
Here’s to a bright future for Minden, and may we continue to celebrate the growth, unity, and Christmas spirit that makes our community so special.
David Specht is president of Specht Newspapers, Inc., Publisher of the Minden Press-Herald, Bossier Press-Tribune, and BIZ Magazine.