“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.
(..) Booth, this is agent brandt walker with the secret service. Seeley booth, i've heard a lot about you. It's an honor to meet you. Only active agent to ever take a bullet for the president. Yeah, yeah, still got a souvenir in the old leg, But that... That was a long time ago. (..)2016 TvShow: Bones Title: The Secret in the Service Season: 11 Episode 17