We are now in the church season of Epiphany, six weeks long, and often overlooked, though as a noun “epiphany” has an enduring place in our language, promising a sudden flash of insight.

Centering on the light of the star that guided the three magi to Bethlehem to see the Christ child, the biblical word Epiphany means “manifestation.” Something shows itself… it appears and as always the question is, do we behold it?

I had one such moment of potent manifestation this Christmas. I was at my parents’ home in Connecticut. I live in Virginia and work at Marble; one sister is in Kentucky, another in upstate NY. Dear friends also gathered that night were from NYC. My mother looked around and said, happily but longingly, “I wish you lived closer.”

The eternal adolescent in me started to bristle defensively—aka guiltily, since I don’t live that close. But something allowed me to shift, in that moment, from being reactive to being reflective, and I let the words land and enlarge: “Live closer.” They spoke of a desire of hers, and I promised myself I would find ways to spend more time with her.

But the words grew in my heart, to include her, the rest of family, and all that I hold dear, and true, and vital. And the question arose: How, in this new year, can I “live closer” in all things? How can I make sure that I am a good steward of my time and that it is spent well, and I focus “closely,” whether it’s work for Marble or a conversation with an old friend?

Just as important, where are the places where I am not “living closer” to what I know to be true, and necessary? Where am I, like the prodigal son, in a far-off country, and I need to turn around, i.e. repent, and come home? These are all good Epiphany questions and challenges.

Living closer. To the bone. To the heart of what matters. To the longings that are manifesting in you this year. To whatever your need for integrity is. As St. Paul said, “think on these things.” And may you both sense, name and manifest your Epiphany.