Discipline Without Gentleness Is Not Compassionate

Many of us associate discipline with authority figures imposing their will on others. What would life be like with only gentleness and no discipline? The first person in our parable planted his tree in his garden and let it go wild. But isn't there a way in which creating a beautiful lonsie is also appreciating the natural life of the tree? There's something very intimate and educational about getting to know a tree so completely, learning its needs,. gradually bringing out its character and enhancing its beauty.