First, Heartache...

"The Resurrection declares the secret of death; the fruit declares  the secret of leaves.
When they lay the foundation of a house to rebuild it, they dig up the first foundation.
Except at night there is no unveiling of the moon; except through heartache, do not seek your heart's desire....
If through Jesus, the spiritual guide, you have become heartsick, yet health too comes from him; do not leave him.
(God says to you), "You are not  made captive by grief.
I tend to you without speaking.
By my hand the seemingly impossible is brought to pass; wings are restored to the bird whose wings were torn away..."
Wherever a pain is, the remedy goes there: wherever the low land is,  the water runs there.
If you want the water of mercy, go, become lowly,  and then drink the wine of mercy..
If you are unable to do that, fly to the Ka'ba of grace, lay your helplessness before the helper.
Lamentation and weeping  are a mighty stock-in-trade : the Universal Mercy is the greatest  nurse to comfort and cherish you.
Say "coo, coo." Become a dove flying towards God.
It may be that a Master will deliver you, and pull you out of danger.
As you have no strength, keep making a lamentation; since you are blind, take care, do not turn your head away from the One who sees the road.
..O God, make our stony hearts as soft as wax; make our wailing sweet to You, and an object of Your mercy."

Rumi (Vol. 2, from 1825-1993)

Commentary: Rumi doesn't describe the journey to God as a series of triumphant conquests. T. S. Eliot wrote  that "humility is endless." Even when there is no signs of spiritual progress,  the poet and the saints remind us that we are on the right road if we are seeking grace and mercy.