In my previous Window of the Heart column (01 March 2026), I wrote about the process of repairing a broken piano and how I had finally found a solution. I also mentioned that I had ordered the necessary part and was waiting for it to arrive. At last, the part came, and after 45 days from the start, the piano was finally repaired. I installed the part sent from the factory in its proper place and reassembled the keyboard. When I turned on the power and pressed the keys, I could only say, “Wow—Eureka!” I was amazed at the sound that came out, almost unable to believe my ears.

These days, I have begun to find not only interest but real enjoyment in repairing guitars as well as playing them. As I invest time and care into the process and begin to see results, it becomes far more rewarding than I had expected. That does not mean it is easy—far from it. What brings joy is the process of breathing life back into guitars that were once dead or dying. I am not a professional, but I think to myself that if others can do it, perhaps I can too, and so I take on the challenge. The sense of achievement that comes from that challenge brings great joy.

After more than forty years of simply playing the guitar, repairing them has taught me something important. Sometimes there are multiple problems, but most of the time the issue can be solved by fixing just one or two critical points. More often than not, there is a single core problem. In other words, if you carefully repair, polish, replace, or restore that one key part—almost like performing surgery—the problem can be resolved.

About fifteen days ago, I received a message from an anonymous elderly gentleman. He said he had three broken guitars. He offered to give me one if I would repair the other two. I gladly agreed and went to see them. All three looked like they were ready for the rubbish bin. However, seeing how much he loved his guitars, I decided to try repairing them. To make a long story short, I had to sacrifice two guitars in order to restore one. It may not last forever, but it should serve him well for the rest of his life.

As this happened, a quiet and fresh sense of happiness lingered in my heart. Although I spent time, effort, and even money on materials, it was worth it when I saw his smile and heard his words of gratitude as he received the repaired guitar. A guitar finds its true value only when it is played and produces sound. Thinking that it would once again be used and heard by someone filled my heart with joy.

The difficult times of last year have passed, and since the beginning of this year, the guitar class and instrument repairs I have begun seem to bring happiness first to myself and then to my neighbors. For that, I am grateful and glad. In the midst of these experiences, a prayer has recently formed in my heart. Just as instruments can be restored when they are handled with care and dedication, I hope that in the place of my calling and service—my pastoral ministry—I may help bring healing to weak and wounded believers.

There is a lesson I have learned through the experience of repair. A broken guitar must be placed in the hands of a repairer and must submit completely to his work. In the same way, our souls must have the courage to lie upon the Lord’s operating table. My hope is to become a pastor who, in the name of Jesus, can help bring healing to souls that are prepared in this way.