They see each other once or twice a year, but my kids have a relationship with their abuelos, my in-laws, that has inspired me to be bolder, less hesitant, in my relationship with God.

We were just in Puerto Rico for a family visit. (That P.F. Chang’s at our old mall hang out, Plaza las Americas, was pretty cool.)

We stayed at my in-laws’ place, the same house that used to intimidate the heck out of me when my hubby Adam and I were dating. See, he’s an only child, and they had a museum-like-home without a speck of dust anywhere that was very unlike my rambunctious, three-kids-live-here happy crazy home! Both were wonderful homes filled with love, just a little different.

As Adam’s girlfriend, and now as his wife, my view of what the kids call “the Abuelos’ house” hasn’t changed much. I still tiptoe around, making sure I’m not leaving specks of dust behind. I gently close doors (at least I try — I still think I make too much noise!) And my hubby says I even walk loudly! I’m like WHAT? I’m NOT LOUD!! WHAT are you TALKING about! Apparently, I’m a loud talker and a loud walker.

But when we started visiting that same house with our kids, I noticed the way they behaved was WAY different than the way I did.

You could point out that grand-kids obviously have way more freedom with the grandparents than kids or kids-in-law ever have. I agree. And I have pictures to prove it.

But for some reason this struck me as a deeper, more powerful lesson I needed to learn.

I’m a Christian, and I know that God is “Our Father in Heaven.” I pray and talk to Him all the time. I know He comforts me when I need Him most. He’s filled me with joy and answered a million prayer requests. (Talk to me about that sometime. I’d love to help you know that relationship, too!)

However, I think sometimes I tiptoe around God.

Sometimes, I’m afraid I’m being too loud (or impatient, or whatever.) And maybe I don’t need to pray and “bother” him about this situation or that problem or that thing that I’ve been wondering about.

I’ll try to figure it out myself, just sit over there on the couch and not bother anyone in Heaven. He and the angels are probably busy anyway.

You know what happened in my heart and my mind when I saw my kids running around the Abuelo’s house that I still tiptoe around?

I felt it.

I felt God saying, my daughter. Do you not know how much I love you and how special and precious you are to me? Why are you tiptoeing when you have full access? Why are you hesitating tentatively when you can run confidently into my throne room and into my arms. I have mercy for you and grace to help you. Come.

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16

Thank you to my kids, Christopher and Allyson; and my in-laws, Abuela Nayda and Abuelo Willo, for reminding me that we have a loving Heavenly Father who just wants us to come and feel like we are home.