The gift of friendship

In this first effort to begin blogging (again) I realized after a good devotional time in John 1 that the most pressing note of gratitude to God (besides Jesus) is the friendships He has given me. We were so blessed yesterday after a rather packed week and a full Saturday that our friends had contributed of their time and money to complete my 2 year long unfinished deck all in a weekend. I was amazed at not only the action and attitude but of the sheer consideration. My friends are much more thoughtful than myself. I realized that I am just not a deeply considerate person. More bluntly, I am selfish and don't think of others needs as much as my own. Yet in spite of my obvious personal selfishness, friends still love me. God has given me much better than I deserve and my friendships testify to this truth. Anyway, back to my time in John I was particularly struck by John 1:11-13 "He came to His own , and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." Jesus created us yet we don't often recieve Him or give Him the honor due Him. We were designed for the purpose of giving God glory and being the best of friends to Him, yet I find myself dwelling on my desires, wants, 'needs' rather than the desires of Jesus. I find myself with a deep and grateful heart to Him who, in spite of my raging selfishness, continues to bear with me, love me, and gives me rights to be His child, in His family with access to all the rights/responsibilities of the family name. When I was a new believer I thought that it was "my" decision to be a Christian "the will of man", but the longer I live I have come to realize and agree with the truth of the word (duh) in that it was God who drew me, who sustains me and who will complete well, what He has begun. Once again, this day, it is an honor to be a son of God, to be loved by the creator, to be a part of His family, of His body, and to love Him in return. Thank You Jesus!!