Trudging victoriously?

This morning I am pondering the possibility of trudging victoriously. It seems that the two words are complete opposites. Trudging implies a head-down, tired, one-foot-in-front-of-the-other movement just to make it through. Victorious gives a picture of a head-held-high, sword in the air, hoot-and-hollar stance at the top of the highest mountain. Do you see them? The one trudging, slogging through the muck and the mud, carrying a heavy load, just barely making progress. The one victorious standing tall and strong. The question in my mind this morning is, "Is it possible to be victorious even when trudging through the day?"

I don't know the answer to that question. I think of my life right now, tired, not sleeping well, hands shaking as I type--is it possible for me to be victorious while trudging along through my physical difficulties? Don't get me wrong, I don't feel like I am trudging in my heart, just my body. In my heart I feel victorious just making it through another day, sometimes just accomplishing one task raises the victory flag in my heart. So my question is more than philosophic. I am asking the question, "Is my life a paradox or a lie?"

It would seem from the definitions, that it is impossible to be a trudging victor, that would make my life a lie. From the picture of the trudging one, it seems that they do not feel victorious, but who really knows? It would seem from the picture of the victorious one that they are strong and have never faced defeat, but who can see all that is contained within them?

Perhaps the trudger is merely one on his path to victory. Can a person be victorious not having faced a furious foe? To me, my body's rebellion against what I want it to be is my foe. I fight it every day and so far I count myself a victor. But my foe is there all the time. The battle never seems to fade, and so many times I appear to myself as one who is trudging. But as the trudger, each step brings victory, moving me closer to my goal.

I am trudging victoriously through my circumstances, I invite you to do the same.