a moment with a (testing, playing, composing, tweaking, etc.) guitar is already priceless. what more if you're playing on stage? i think you should think about what's "on" at the moment rather than thinking too much on what and where it will bring you to. it's not about the hardships and [gooey brown stuff], but it's all about the experience and the things you're going through that count and make you a guitarist.