If there is one person to whom I owe my spirituality to it would be Aunt Agnes. I am not talking about religion, but a relationship with God, one on one and it was she who, through a gift for my first communion, started me on the journey of knowing God more intimately.

Agnes was my favorite aunt and this was due, of course, to the fact that whenever she visited our house she had a shopping bag full of gifts for us kids. She knew what we liked, too. Always superfluous stuff and toys, never anything practical. Comics, coloring books, dolls and golden books, she gained an everlasting place in our hearts for her understanding of childhood.

She was a very kind and gentle lady, my mother’s friend, and whether she was actually related or not, she was always invited to our birthday and holiday celebrations. I gather she probably brought the gifts so we kids would go off into the other room and play while she discussed adult things with our mother.

It was my First Communion party when Aunt Agnes presented me with a little book titled, “Jesus and I,” written by Jean Plaquevent and translated from the French. Although it was Catholic in its presentation ( I was raised a Catholic), it held a fascinating situation for me as it was composed of everyday conversations between a little kid and Jesus.

The preface stated it was conversations between Jesus and any child who wants to talk to Him. Up until that point, I didn’t know a kid like me could actually just talk with Jesus. I was brought up where we had a myriad of saints and ritualistic prayers to get to God. Being able to talk directly to Jesus was a step up from St. Jude or St. Anthony and multiple Hail Marys, and I learned as I read the book that Jesus had a childhood just like me. I was told in the book by Jesus that I did not have to always pray prescribed prayers but could just talk to Him. That was an eye opener for me!

It was then, after consulting this little book, when I had anything to question or needed guidance, I would call on Jesus and tell him my problems or ask for advice. The chapters of the book had conversations about being rich or poor, about being lonely or sad, obedient to parents, happy, or getting angry and even having too much candy. It was a book written for children and unlike the pomp and ritual of the church, it held a fascination that Jesus loved me for myself and all my shortcomings and I could talk to Him as an understanding friend because He was a kid just like me once.

Long ago I gave up conventional, corporate religion for a more personal and spiritual walk with my God. Throughout the years I have learned that it is an individual walk with the Lord and a matter of the heart rather than mind and, when I want to know God better, when I want guidance or need help dealing with my trials and afflictions, I once again become as a little child and just talk with my Heavenly Father like I did over 60 years ago.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” I believe that with all my heart thanks to an enlightening little book given to me by my Aunt Agnes many years ago.