He presented his machine to them and discussed how it could make their restaurant better. Following some discussion, the brothers decided to purchase one of the machines.   

While writing up the order this vision-minded salesman became engrossed in what the two told him about their business. He became so excited that he asked if they would be interested in taking on a partner. Being an excitable individual and having a strong vision, he was able to convince the brothers of the wisdom of this action and became a partner. 

Yes, this dream-filled man saw something great, something unique. He dreamed about going far beyond the 48 milkshakes at one time being made! His dream caused him to buy his partners out with the stipulation that he retain their name in the business. So, Ray Kroc used that insight to build a multi-billion dollar empire named after his partners…..McDonalds! 

He saw the future. He focused his thinking on what more he could do to revolutionize the food industry. He seized the opportunity to make the most of "new age" machines and processes that were evolving: deep fryers with timers; re-processed-pre-packed meat; quick service; people eating on the run; specialization of food items, so that the same quality and type was repeated time and time again. All this came about with the development of McDonalds. Kroc was willing to make the "bold leap" into this new emerging age of so-called Fast Food Restauranting because he saw the future! 

Robert Schuller, noted speaker and positive-thinking minister, said, "The world of tomorrow belongs to the person who has the vision today." 

Do you see the future? 

It takes 3 common characteristics to engage in new-age opportunities: 

First, is boldness. Boldness is the ever-present thought that things are made to happen! It is knowing that you never get ahead until you start advancing. It is that fiber of action that allows you to advance against the fear that surrounds you as you begin that new step; and, then lunges ever closer as you stroll down the pathway of activity. It is in the words of the legendary Alabama football coach Bear Bryant, your directive to "cause something to happen."   

Embrace it… Live it… Feast upon its tasty morsels of action. Boldness sets the stage. 

Our next characteristic poses a very important question:  

What is the strongest nation in the world?  

It’s determination! 

• It is determination that allows you to rise above your doubt. 
• It is determination that drives you to get up again when you fall down.  

• It is determination that defines the difference between the impossible and the possible.  
• It is determination that guides you so that when you get to the end of your rope, you simply tie a knot and hang on!  
• It is determination that leads you to victory when the jaws of defeat begin to close.  
• It is determination that causes you to focus on the skills and strengths you possess and then pushes you to use those traits to make a difference rather than focus on those things you do not possess.   

Yes, as world class athlete Candace Cable Brooks discovered following her tragic auto accident in which she lost the use of her legs, it is determination that enabled her to make the best of what she had so that she became a world champion wheel chair racer.   

Yes, it is determination that will change your life! 

Finally, and possibly the most critical of the 3, for without this characteristic it is very, very difficult to achieve success, is faith! 

It takes belief in you…yes, you, to lay the final piece of the puzzle upon the board.  

• Faith sparks enthusiasm and as Emerson noted, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."  
• Faith can turn losers into winners. It will help you find solutions when there appear to be none and it is one of the most priceless ingredients in any recipe for success.   
• Faith can help you move your mountain of despair. It can provide the bridge over the troubled waters of doubt.   
• Faith will provide you with strength in times of weakness and it will be the bright light of hope during your dark nights of worry.   
• Faith will allow you to challenge the process.  It will inspire your vision. It will enable you to act.  
• Faith will model the way and it will fill you with encouragement to carry on. 

Boldness, determination, faith! 

Are you BOLD enough to go forward?  

Do you have the DETERMINATION to stay the course regardless?  

Is your FAITH strong…strong in the sense that it bears the fruit of the enthusiasm needed to make your dreams and goals come true?   

Do you have a VISION? Are you willing to change your mind?  

I challenge you this day to become a Ray Kroc. Buy into a dream…a dream based on solid foundations and goal-driven principles. 

Create that "billion-dollar" empire for yourself! 

See the future!