A fascinating story by Bo Sanchez
Let me now tell you a fascinating story.
Jack, Ken, Poy
There were three brothers named Jack, Ken, and Poy.
One day, they were walking on the road. Each was carrying a bayong (native basket). They had just come from the field and harvested some potatoes.
Soon, they met an old poor man on the road, pulling a rickety cart behind him. He was dressed in rags and was walking barefoot.
“What happened to you?” the brothers asked him.
The old man said, “My whole town has been flooded! Hundreds of people are now homeless, without food or water. They are very hungry. Can you give your sweet potatoes so I could feed my poor townspeople?”
Jack, Ken, and Poy looked at each other and nodded their heads.
I’m telling you this story because Jack, Ken, and Poy represent the three kinds of givers in the world today. I want you to find out what kind of giver you are.
Jack, The Token Giver
Jack reached down his basket, pulled out 3 potatoes, and placed them onto the cart of the old man.
And the beggar said, “Thank you so much, my son.”
Jack represents the first type of giver: The Token Giver.
All Jack does is give tokens of himself whenever he can.
In his family, he gives tokens of his time and energy to his kids and his wife—just enough so his wife won’t leave him.
In his job, he does the barest minimum possible—so he won’t get fired.
And in Church, whenever the love offering basket is passed, he doesn’t tithe—he gives tokens. Just to say that he gave.
Because of his habit of giving tokens, his returns are tiny.
He has a job but his career is stagnant.
His family lives in one house but relationships are shallow.
He goes to Church but hasn’t grown spiritually.
Others however are like Ken…
Ken, The Tentative Giver
Ken did something different.
He brought his bayong near the cart, tilted it and poured half of its contents.
The old beggar said, “Thank you very much, my son.”
Ken represents the second type of giver in the world: The Tentative Giver.
He gives more than just tokens, but he still holds back.
In his family, he gives himself to them tentatively.
He has a 50/50 approach to relationships. Because of this, his relationships are average. Not great.
Let me tell you why.
I’ve been married for 12 years and here’s one very important principle I’ve learned: Marriages don’t work if the husband gives 50% and the wife gives 50%. A marriage works only if the husband and the wife each give 100% to each other.
When it comes to relationships, you don’t measure what you give. You don’t count. You throw away the ruler.
You don’t say, “I rubbed your back, you should rub my back.” That’s not love, that’s business. That’s not love, that’s legal contracts.
When you love a person, and you feel like you’re giving more than he’s giving you—don’t be bitter. Because you know that even if you don’t count, God is counting. And the Law of the universe will be the one who will reward you.
(Note: When I talk this way, I’m not talking about tolerating abusive, or drunkard, or philandering husbands. That’s a totally different issue. I’m talking about healthy marriages here!)
In his job, it’s the same: Ken gives satisfactory work. But not great work. He never goes beyond average. He never exceeds expectations.
How many of you know this: Promotions doesn’t go to performance. Promotions go to superior performance.
Ken hasn’t been promoted. Because he doesn’t take initiative or develops himself. He doesn’t look for ways to become better, or get trained, or look for mentors.
In his spiritual life, it’s the same story.
He tries to follow God but doesn’t trust Him with his entire life. He holds back.
Not like Poy.
Poy, The Total Giver
It was Poy’s turn.
Poy brought his bayong to the cart, inverted it and unloaded everything. He now carried an empty bayong.
The old man said, “Thank you very much, my son.”
Poy represents the third kind of giver: The Total Giver.
Manny Pacquaio is a Poy in boxing.
Larry Bird is a Poy in basketball.
Gary V is a Poy in entertainment.
Jacky Chan is a Poy in making action movies.
Haven’t you noticed? If you want to be successful, you’ve got to be a little bit crazy. Insane. Illogical. Unreasonable. Fanatical.
Can you imagine doing 3000 sit-ups every day?
Or shooting 3-point shots while closing your eyes?
Or doing 2900 retakes for one scene?
They’re nuts.
But that’s Poy.
Poy knows the magic of giving his all.
Note: You also realize that there are two types of successful people in the world. First are those who are successful in one field only—but are dismal failures in other areas. The second are those who are successful in the most important areas of their lives. And you find these people living among us. And that’s what God wants for you!
Let me go back to Poy.
Poy gives his entire heart to his family. He doesn’t want an okay marriage. He’s committed to a great marriage. He doesn’t want to have an average relationship with his kids. Each day, he works to build deep bonds with them that will last forever.
In his job or business, Poy also works with passion. He loves what he does. And he loves his customers. For him, work is play. Because of this, he’s pro-active, takes initiative, gets training, hones his craft, and has a lifelong commitment to grow .
And in his relationship with God, Poy completely surrenders himself to Him. He trusts God. He follows God all the way. He gives his time, his talent, and his treasure to God.
I repeat my question: Who are you?
The Law Of The Universe
My story isn’t over.
As Poy stepped back with his empty bayong, lo and behold, the old beggar transformed and became a Wizard!
Instead of tattered rags, he now wore a golden robe.
He had a long beard and his face seemed shining.
The three brothers were so shocked, they could hardly speak or move.
The Wizard said, “The Law of the Universe says that whatever you give, you shall receive. It’s the Law of Reciprocity. So be ready to receive. How much will you receive? The measure that you used in giving will be the same measure used for rewarding you.”
And in a flash, POOF, the Wizard was gone.
The three brothers rubbed their eyes, wondering if it was all a dream. They walked home in a daze.
Because they were still in shock, none of them noticed that their bayongs were getting heavier with every step they took.
It was only when they reached home did they realize that something miraculous happened.
All their bayongs were filled to the brim!
Jack opened his bayong and shouted, “Ken, Poy, look! The 3 potatoes that I gave the old man were now replaced by 3 bars of gold.”
Ken opened his bayong and said, “Half of my bayong filled with gold bars!”
And Poy opened his bayong, and saw all of it filled with gold bars!
Once again, tell me, who are you: Jack, Ken, or Poy?
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