Imagine that you are in a huge cave 250 feet below the surface of the earth. You're down there with about 40 other souls. The cave is artificially lit, as no daylight ever reaches its interior. Suddenly the lights go out.
The darkness closes in and encases you like a velvet glove. You can't see your hand in front of your face. No one makes a sound. Total darkness. Total silence. Total stillness. You're in the heart of Mother Earth.
Then your guide strikes a tiny match. The thick darkness disappears like magic and your eyes take in a marvelous scene.
The light from that one match illuminates the whole cave quite clearly. You can see everyone there. Amazing!
All it takes to dispel the darkness of that huge, dark cave is just one person's tiny light.
And the old saying “let your light shine” takes on a deeper, “secret” meaning.
You don't have to overwhelm those you meet with your knowledge, wisdom, accomplishments, or connections. Why use a floodlight when an ordinary lantern (or even a candle) will do?
By all means let your light shine, but please: Make it inviting, not blinding!