"The path is service of others, not prayer beads and holy robes." Sa'di.
This reminds me of da'wah or missionary work. It is not about looking saintly but about what you can do with yourselves and your heart in the service of Allah. It calls to me, I believe, first about changing myself in my heart and in my practices before I call others.
It reminds me of my colleague, a Catholic, whose cubicle is next to me. She calls herself a "modern nun". She has decided to dedicate her life to serving her religion, abstaining from marriage like what a nun does, except she is not clothed in that manner. She is a career woman, currently reading her phD part-time, and believes in her calling, having isolated herself from her family, living with like-minded individuals in her duty to serve her God.
So when I read those words of wisdom above, I agree with what my colleague is doing -"serving her religion without robes and prayer beads" in this case without the "habit". If I were to base this to the concept of Islam, I can still be of service to Allah, and yet not deprived myself from the pleasures of being a wife and a mother, unlike her.
Allah has not given us anything more if He knows we cannot handle it. But His challenges were given to us because He knew best. As stated in the Al-Quran:-
"Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope." Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286)
Allah has given us this life to fulfil his mission, and the promise of the garden of paradise with his mercy and love. If only we open our hearts to it.
Amin-Amin Ya Rabbal Alameen.
