Last month, we took an impromptu trip to Cape Point.  Here in South Africa, Cape Point is renown for its beauty and geographical history.  It is also part of a nature reserve, which means unspoiled beaches and landscape.  It’s stunning.

Despite the fact that it lies virtually on our doorstep, it’s been a good 16 years since we were last there.

But Cape Point is still as beautiful with its raw African shorelines of vivid beauty.  And, like 16 years ago, we had a wonderful, wonderful time.  Unlike 16 years ago, it ended with an unexpected mini-adventure that caused great excitement for my kids.

When we arrived, we visited the restaurant:

Later, we tackled hundreds of stairs and gazed at amazing views…

Including wildlife like dassies and lizards…

We even visited the two historical monuments representing the padres that Vasco Da Gama erected around the Cape in the 15th century.  They are in memory of the first explorers to reach the Cape: Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias.

And we enjoyed the tidal pools and pebbly beaches:

What we didn’t expect to find on the shoreline was a bottle.

Kiera’s find didn’t glow quite the same as Simon’s bottle did.  But, it did fill her with the same sense of mystery.  Soon, she was writing this message on a discarded envelope we found in my bag:

While the bottle she found was empty bar a few pebbles and shells, the bottle she left behind contained a special message and offered the finder of the bottle a free copy of my book!

As we left for home that early evening, Kiera’s thoughts were on her discovery and the excitement that surrounded the possibility of someone finding our bottle.  There was much chatter in the car about who may find it and how.  As I listened to my kids and drank in the breath-taking surroundings, I marvelled at the beauty of the day.  Beauty in blessed relationships: a relaxed husband who set the tone for the day with light-hearted fun; children caring for one another and enjoying the beauty that God gives us; and a family invested in the sharing of the gospel story.

It was a blessed glimpse of heaven.  And I am thankful.