Well said, Rick. I can definitely relate, as I also spent many a Thanksgiving and Christmas away from home and at sea.

Being in the middle of the ocean, with all the stars clearly visible, made me realize the greatness of God (however defined) and nature, and how small my petty problems were.

Same effect, only more so, being in the middle of a typhoon with forty foot waves. It really put things in perspective for me at a relatively young age!