“Picked” in “I picked the apples” is an 'active' verb because it shows that the subject “I” is the one who picked the apples.
After two years of 'active duty' [=two years of being a full-time member of the military] she entered the reserves.
He saw no 'active service' [=he did not fight in any battles] during his time in the army.
(..) I rather not be today. Okay? Gotta break your neck so you don't feel the pain. How's that? Wait a minute. I thought rhinos are vegetarians. An active point. Shut up! Who says we gonna eat him after we kill him? Come on, move it. You know, I don't like animals to kill for pleasure. (..)2002 Ice Age