Is it absolute freedom to do what a person wants? Is freedom regardless of
consequences? Does it mean corrective action after a problem occurs or a wrong is
done? Is it imposition? Is it abuse? Does it take away freedom?
The answer is none of the above. Discipline does not mean that a person takes a belt
and beats up kids. That is madness. Discipline is loving firmness. It is direction. It is
prevention before a problem arises. It is harnessing and channeling energy for great
performance. Discipline is not something you do to but you do for those you care about.
Discipline is an act of love. Sometimes you have to be unkind to be kind: Not all medicine
is sweet, not all surgery is painless, but we have to take it. We need to leam from nature.
We are all familiar with that big animal, the giraffe. A mama giraffe gives birth to a baby
giraffe, standing. All of a sudden, the baby falls on a hard surface from the cushion of
mama's womb, and sits on the ground. The first thing mama does is to get behind the
baby and give him a hard kick. The baby gets up, but his legs are weak and wobbly and
the baby falls down. Mama goes behind again and gives him one more kick. The baby
gets up but sits down again. Mama keeps kicking till the baby gets on its feet and starts
moving. Why? Because mama knows that the only chance of survival for the baby in the
jungle is to get on its feet. Otherwise it will be eaten up by wildcats and become dead
meat.
My question to you is: Is this an act of love ?
You bet it is.
