This scene has been in my mind lately, because I resonate with it.
But it's the next line, the, "I need a holiday. A very long holiday. And I don't expect I shall return" that I struggle with. In the scene that follows, he puts on the Ring and walks off and gives up.
Later, when Frodo considers a sort of giving up, he's rebuked.
"I wish none of this had happened."
So who all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that was given to us."
When we're stretched and tired and exhausted, we have a decision: give up, or keep walking, fighting, and trying.
It may seem impossible, or we might be lost and alone, but "there are other forces in this world, besides the forces of evil. . ." Forces that want to help, encourage, and support.
Forces that want to improve and build, not destroy.
"And that is an encouraging thought."
This "thesis statement," that all we have to decide is what to do with the time given us, coupled with the encouragement that there are other forces besides evil, is then supported throughout the story.
With Aragorn:
After he realizes he can no longer help Frodo, Aragorn makes the decision to rescue Sam and Pippen from the orcs. Because the fight is not yet over, and it's the right thing to do.
With Haldir:
History and past wrong doings don't influence Haldir's decision, because what was is not for him to decide. All he has is the time given to him, and the decision to make. To honor an aligence.
With Theoden:
Gondor calls for aid, the same Gondor that has abandoned and seemingly ignored Rohan when they were in need. The same Gondor that incited Teoden to earlier spit, "Where was Gondor when the westfold fell? Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us? Where was Go-."
But when Gondor calls for aid, when the beacons are lit, Theoden and Rohan answers the call.
With Sam:
This is why Sam is the hero of this journey - because his hope, his resolve, and his courage is what carries Frodo to the end. Even when Frodo abandons him, when he gives up and feels thin, like butter spread over to much bread, Sam carries him. With all that he has, and with whatever he has left, he decides to use it all, to give it all, because he is the other force besides evil.
And that is an encouraging thought.
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