Here’s something you don’t read every day: a mother’s letter about her daughter, a cloistered nun. It’s a beautiful testament of faith and love and joy.

You’ll want to read it all, but here’s part:

Sarah had countless interests. She dropped them and never looked back. Many people have considered it a shame that someone with so many talents should be in a convent. I wonder why we would want to give God less than the best.

(After she entered the convent) Her responsibilities were divided among the rest of the family members. On some days when things seem completely out of control, we exchange a look with an understanding that no longer needs to be voiced… “Yes, Martha, Mary has chosen the better part.”

Her growth has been immeasurable. She has had all kinds of opportunities that we couldn’t have provided. Why, Sister Cecilia, who played in the philharmonic (there’s that talent thing again) even taught her to sing!our family has expanded immensely. A wise priest once told me, “You’re not losing a daughter; you’re gaining an entire congregation.” And so it is. More joy-filled women could never be found. They refer to us parents as “Mom and Dad ______”. This is the closest we’ll ever come to hand-picking our relatives!

Even the families of the sisters become close. It seems the standard line for consoling parents is: “You can’t get a better son-in-law.” So we laughingly try to scare one another by referring to each other as in-laws.

Everyone bemoans the dearth of vocations, but as in so many other circumstances they expect someone else to do something about it. It’s too late for me to become a nun, but I can certainly encourage others. I can’t remember anyone even suggesting the possibility in my youth.

A big hat tip to The Anchoress for sharing this. It made my day.