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To my mind, time that meets timelessness is time well spent. Renewal, refreshment, encouragement, the making of good memories to look back on and draw strength from later on when the road darkens ... the balance of rest and exertion helps keep a proper perspective. Better to pace yourself to endure troubles in manageable portions over the long term, rather than sprint into them all at once and become overwhelmed.
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*nods in agreement with
Gandalf the Grey*
The point being, I would think, that it is the being rather than just the doing which is important to Frodo's actions. *grins mischievously at her phrasing*
We see, as well, Frodo's deliberated choice rather than simple obedience to Gandalf's request, especially given that the full extent of the threat is not truly understood, neither by the readers nor by Frodo. He, and we, have yet to meet the Nazgul.
Bethberry
Edit: Thinking a bit more about this delay, I wonder if this isn't an example of the 'inexplicit' religious element in LOTR, the recognition that both labour and recreation are needed in a balanced life. I don't have time to explain this in more detail now, but thinking about the obverse of that old cliche of the "Protestant work ethic" might come into play here.
[ August 23, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]