Marriage and monasticism

For several years now, I have pondered on the relationship between, the differences between, and the value of, monasticism and marriage.  I have read a lot of monastic writings, the Philokalia, the Ladder of Divine Ascent, etc. I have heard homilies, lectures, talks and dialogues about monasticism and marriage.  Yet it was just a couple days ago, in a conversation with my priest, that I finally heard a really wonderful explanation. 
Marriage and monasticism are different in that marriage is the "normal" path but very few are called to monasticism.  Both use all the tools provided by the Church to grow in communion with God, but to varying degrees.
I began to wonder why married people would spend any time at a monastery.  And it was explained this way: the monastic path is for those very few called one's.  In some ways, it is a very difficult path, but has great rewards and can make one a great blessing to many. One would spend time at a monastery, not because there is something inherently special about monasticism but because monasticism gives us a glimpse into and a reminder of, what we should be doing in our very busy lives, that is, praying, fasting, attending the Divine Liturgy and cleansing our souls.  We are all called to draw close to God, not just the monks.