The Arcade Fire has released the best album I've heard in 5+ years. I don't possess the kind of language or knowledge to legitimately critique an album in print. I do, however, have ears and sensibilities, and this album resonates with me on so many levels.

For those of you interested in the progress of my root canal, here's a reductive update:

I have discovered that I have the strength to conquer sin. It is a lie that man is incapable of resisting. No one is perfect, but each of us, by virtue of being made in the image of God, has been given the strength to resist temptation. This is why we are held accountable for sin (why Christ's gift on the cross was necessary).

I have discovered that my life is riddled with sin. I once made a list of the "big" sins in my life. I said "man, if I could just beat that, I would have it made." Now that I'm on the other side of that list, I can laugh at myself, because I'm looking at a whole new ballgame. I'm looking at sins that are much more embedded and harder to uproot. Things like losing my temper, laziness, etc.

I have discovered that I am gifted. I take pride in the gifts God has gifted me with. I design webpages. I write code. I write poetry. I write short-stories. I write academic papers. I write music. I talk about God. I teach. I do all these well.

I have discovered that I am wasteful. I throw away the gifts I've been given on goofy things because I am lazy.

I am afraid of prayer. The throneroom of God scares me. I approach him reluctantly. I feel filthy and unworthy in His presence. I'm also lazy.

That's it mostly. If any of you have advice for dealing with any of the issues I've mentioned, hook me up.