Indulge me while I draw out, just a little bit further, an analogy that I made last week.

I reminded you of a beautiful pink Crepe Myrtle tree at a park in my neighborhood and the way that Crepe Myrtle brought out the Shine in everything around it. It made the green grass greener, the blue sky bluer, and the white soccer goal whiter.

I likened that tree to people who Shine; people who bring out the best in others by recognizing, utilizing, and celebrating the talent of those around them.

Then I shared a picture of that same Crepe Myrtle one year later, after having weathered the worst drought Texas has seen in 44 years.

And I used the stark contrast as a sober reminder - a reminder of how hard it is to Shine when you are not getting what you need to be healthy and strong.

On Monday I passed by the tree again and, again, it made me think.

Except this time when I passed the Crepe Myrtle there was a maintenance truck from Grapevine Parks and Recreation next to it. Attached to the back of the truck was very, very large water tank and a generator. The Park's employee was driving through the park watering trees, one by one.

He was helping the Crepe Myrtle get what she needed at a time when she could not help herself.

Again, that Crepe Myrtle delivered a powerful message...

Sometimes the only way to Shine is to accept help when you need it.

Shining off until...