I used to wonder why I kept all those bass guitars, amps, cabs and associated paraphernalia. I hadn't played in a band for four years and at the time hadn't touched a bass in at least twelve months. I turned 54 and after being told I was too old by several bands I realised that playing music was a thing of the past.
Idly browsing Join My Band last year I responded to an ad. Didn't get the gig. Never really expected to don't really know why I was looking. Then they contacted me. It was a cheeky request to dep for the guy who got the gig ahead of me as he was unavailable on New year's Eve. Part of me thought I'm too rusty, I'm kind of done with music anyway and shouldn't I be offended, maybe just a little?
Long story short I did the gig, am now their number one dep, before playing I got my amp checked over by an old mate not seen for years and now he and I have formed a band, I also joined a soul band doing some really cool covers and just got asked to write some lines for an originals band.
Rather obvious moral is you don't know what the future may hold nor how you will feel about music. Keep your beloved instruments, pick them up whenever you feel like it, leave them alone without guilt or remorse the rest of the time. Oh, and say yes to any and all opportunities that come your way, you can always walk away later if they're not what you want.
Good luck with number four.