Jason’s Story: Sabbath
For a long stretch of my life, I didn't know how to slow down.
On the Enneagram chart, I am a 3 (Performer), Wing 2 (Helper), and I have always been driven. For much of my life, I kept pushing, working, striving, and going until I couldn't go any more. That mindset helped me accomplish things, but deep down, it also left me tired, restless, and out of balance. I rarely gave myself permission to stop. I didn't know how to quiet my mind, and I didn't always know how to care for myself in a healthy way.
Looking back, I can see that kind of life was not sustainable. It eventually led to unhealthy habits and a way of living that was not bringing me the peace I longed for.
Being a part of Prince of Peace has been a gift on that journey. Through this church community, I began to understand something I had missed for a long time—that loving yourself is not selfish, that grace is not only for other people, and that rest is not something to feel guilty about. I started to see that stillness, self-care, and Sabbath are not just good ideas. They are gifts from God!
Little by little, I began to make space for stillness. I started trying to give my mind room to breathe and my soul room to rest. I began building better rhythms of self-care—not perfectly, but with more intention.
Learning to honor a Sabbath has been one of the most life-changing parts of my journey. For a long time, I believed I couldn't take a day off because there was always more to do. Honestly, there still is, but I have learned that Sabbath is a blessing. I have learned that working from rest is very different than simply crashing from exhaustion. When I started embracing the concept, I began showing up better for myself, for my family, and for the people I love. I became more present, more grounded, and more at peace.
Friendship has been another beautiful part of this journey. Through shared meals, conversations, and simply spending time with people in the church and in the community, I have come to experience how deeply healing it is to be known and loved. Because I lived at such a fast pace for so long, I think I missed the importance of friendship for much of my life. I missed how much we need people who know our heart, who walk with us, who encourage us, and who remind us we are not alone. To now have that, and to give that in return, has brought so much joy and gratitude into my life.
Through all of this, I have found a deeper relationship with Jesus. I have found more peace, more perspective, and a better understanding of what really matters. I truly do not know where I would be without the mentorship, friendships, and support I have found through Prince of Peace. God has used this community in such a meaningful way in my life, and I will always be grateful for that.
—Written by Jason Stallard
