If They Aren’t Here, They’re Elsewhere

Summary

The article discusses the concept of "Elsewhere" as a mindset to accept the unknown whereabouts of individuals without unnecessary worry.

Abstract

The text reflects on the idea that when someone is not present, they are simply "Elsewhere," advocating for a peaceful acceptance of the unknown rather than concern or curiosity. It uses the example of a friend going on vacation to an undisclosed location to illustrate that it's futile to speculate about her whereabouts. The author suggests that adopting an "Elsewhere" mindset can be liberating, as it allows one to hope for the best without getting caught up in the details. This approach is recommended in various scenarios, such as when people are absent from church or work, to avoid unnecessary worry and maintain focus on what truly matters.

Opinions

The author believes that worrying about someone's unknown location is unnecessary and can lead to negative thoughts ("rabbit trail... filled with thistles and thorny patches").
There is a confident assertion that people who are absent are simply in another place, and it is out of one's control to know exactly where.
The text promotes a trusting perspective, suggesting that one should think and pray for the absent individual but not dwell on their absence.
The "Elsewhere" mindset is presented as a tool for maintaining focus and avoiding distractions caused by the absence of others.
The author implies that it is natural to wonder about someone's absence but emphasizes that the answer should be accepted as "Elsewhere," without further investigation or concern.

Don't ask because you already know

If I'm not here, where am I?

Elsewhere.

Are you worried? Nosy? Be at peace. I'm just not here right now.

A friend of mine recently went on a much-needed vacation. Took off on a train. Where to? I don't know. When is she coming back? I don't know.

Where is she? Elsewhere.

It's out of my control. I will think about her. I will pray about her. But I'm confident of one thing.

She is Elsewhere.

This is a freeing thing, this "Elsewhere" mindset. If you start looking around and notice someone is absent. Hope for the best.

Look forward to seeing them again. But you already know where they are.

Elsewhere.

At church? Where is John and Judy? Elsewhere. Did they find another church? Is John okay? They are elsewhere. But …

At work? Where is Lilly? Elsewhere. Did she get fired? Did she find another job? She is elsewhere. How come …

Elsewhere.

Don't worry. The rabbit trail you travel on is filled with thistles and thorny patches down that path. Just know the answer is — Elsewhere.

Regain your focus. Fast. Because if you don't, you know where your focus went?

Elsewhere.

Focus

If They Aren’t Here, They’re Elsewhere

Don't ask because you already know