Absolutely Pete, your not alone in those thoughts, I've had those same thoughts...
"why am I chosen and not my Dad/friend/worthy person to my right?" (we say this humbly, as you said.) The short answer as God has given to me to understand so far is "God decides who He will".
Ultimately God the potter decides what he wants to do with each clay pot (build for honor or dishonor). However, we will all evenatully be saved and have the mind of Christ, every one of us... ALL mankind. All of this is moving in one direction.... THE SALVATION OF ALL THROUGH CHRIST!!
And that is a most comforting thought!
Some get it sooner (the elect) than others and it is a high calling. God causes us to run the race, be graced, trained, disciplined and chastised into the kingdom. It's all His work! However, it keeps us humble because...
Matt 4:4 Man shall not live on bread alone but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God
Christ will eventually save everyone, however, knowing where we come from, it keeps us humble (going through this evil age). I am the murderer, I am the child molester, I've taken part in the flesh, all is vanity. It is God who decides who He wants to come out sooner than the others. He gives us the desire to want to come out. The others "them" will to, eventually, but in their allotted time. Every single one of us, will live every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God in their own life. First the physical, then the spiritual.
It's beautiful! I hope that was encouraging.