When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. Leah conceived, gave birth to a son, and named him Reuben, for she said, "The LORD has seen my affliction; surely my husband will love me now."  She conceived again, gave birth to a son, and said, "The LORD heard that I am unloved and has given me this son also."  She conceived again, gave birth to a son, and said, "At last, my husband will become attached to me because I have borne him three sons."  And she conceived again, gave birth to a son, and said, "This time I will praise the LORD."

If ever a marriage got off on the wrong foot, it was Jacob and Leah's. The look in his eyes wasn't the warm glow of wedded bliss but the bitter glares of betrayal. Yet Leah learned that what God thinks of you is the most important reflection of who you are.

No, it's not too much to ask of your husband that your relationship become a priority to him - not always taking a back seat to work, hobbies, and whatever it is that keeps his mind so preoccupied. But it is too much to demand. Nothing in your scolding is likely to change his mind or to melt the hard shell on his icy, detached habits. If you want to get his attention, honor him. Serve him. Love him. Make the brave decision that you will do what's right even when your husband does you wrong.

The more we place our expectations on another person, the more control we give them over our emotional and spiritual state. The freer we are of expectations from others - and the more we depend upon God alone - the more pure and honest our love for others will become. - Gary Smalley