Over the years I’ve tried to distinguish the difference between the definition of a “friend” and of a “sister.” At least for me personally, one difference I’ve come to recognize is that friends may come and go, but sisters…don’t. Once you find a sister, you’re kind of stuck with them, but in the best, most beautiful way possible.
When you have a sister by your side who is striving toward the same goal as you, namely to love and serve Christ, you can’t truly look at that person for long without catching a glimpse of Christ himself and unveiling His own heart. I’ve seen it countless times: that Christ-like love shining through wounded, human hearts, overcoming every kind of natural tendencies and human weakness. It’s something that never ceases to baffle and inspire me and bring me to my knees in sheer awe and gratitude.
Some would look at one of my sisters and say, “Yeah, I know her, she’s loud and talkative and crazy.” But oh, if they had only seen the times my tear-stained face rested on her shoulder; the only words she spoke being silent, whispered prayers to Christ on my behalf.
Others would say of another sister, “Yup, she’s very strong, a natural leader.” But they would never know how, with such gentleness and humility, she would work hard to keep her areas especially neat and arrive on time to certain activities because she knew how much I appreciated it.
Still others would mention a sister’s name and follow it with, “You know, the really quiet, reserved one.” Ah! They never saw our many moments of (charitable) teasing and laughter, talking and reading poetry as we walked outside together, or staying up talking about Our Lady after I had knee surgery and had trouble falling asleep some nights.
You see, the relationship between sisters opens doors and explores depths which no one outside can even begin to imagine or understand. I think Christ gives this gift in a special way to souls who consecrate their lives to Him. When people ask me about my journey of consecrated life I will sometimes hear, “So, you’ll never have your own family?” When this occurs I just smile, shake my head, and attempt to explain how they really couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, perhaps I won’t have a physical, earthly husband and children to call mine. But consecrated life draws you into a family of its own, a family who will spend sweat and blood and tears for you, love you unconditionally, and die to themselves and their own desires for your sake.
This sisterhood…it’s real. I’ve seen it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the universe. And you can be sure that I will spend the rest of my life thanking God for this incredible, truly awe-some treasure.
