"Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure."
~ Don Wilder ~
Justification and excuses are no substitution for an apology. To be told, "This is why" doesn't sit nearly as well as, "We were wrong and we're sorry."
Taking ownership of our errors is just as important as taking ownership of our talents and success. Mistakes happen, and that's what forgiveness is for. There is grace and blessing in admitting that we could have done better, and in understanding how it must feel to be on the receiving end of our faulty action.
Blaming circumstances, on the other hand, does not amend the situation at all, and actually makes the other person continue to feel wronged. And instead of forgiveness, a resentment is born.
Let's not go there. It's a lousy spiritual space to occupy. Let's step up and apologize instead.
I admit my mistakes and apologize where necessary.
